NHS Chief Executive promises ‘shift’ in funding rule
Simon Stevens, the NHS Chief Executive, announced that a new plan is being written by NHS Improvement in conjunction with NHS England that will cover the years from 2019/20 to 2021/22. It will see the end of ‘sustainability funds’, as Stevens declared that we ‘have got to be more radical’ in our approach to funding.The plan is likely to involve secure funding for Clinical Commissioning Groups for three years and tentative for a further two.
Read more in the HSJ (£)
Going to a festival? Make sure you’ve had the MMR jab
Festival goers are being urged to ensure they’ve had the MMR jab as infection rates soar, as those who missed out on the vaccination 20 years ago during the autism controversy reach their twenties. The Royal College of Nursing have released the warning amid rising rates of Measles in Southern Europe, in places such as Greece, Italy and France.
Read more in the Guardian.
Government’s 20 metre rule leaves MS sufferers ‘dangerously underfunded’
Under current Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rules, if you can walk over 20 metres you do not qualify for the higher rate of support.Under the previous funding arrangements (Disability Living Allowance), people had to walk 50 metres, which meant many MS suffers qualified for the higher rate. Under the new rules vital support like cars and financial support could be withdrawn.
Read more in the Metro.
Committee rules that boys should get the HPV jab
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have backed a ‘gender neutral’ scheme for the HPV vaccine, extending the current immunisation programme to boys. This comes on the back of lobbying from charities and medical experts. HPV is responsible for nearly all of the cervical cancers diagnosed in the UK each year and 60% of throat and mouth cancers.
Read more in the Independent.
New study reveals drop in teenage pregnancy
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service has released a new report detailing a drop in pregnancies since 2007. Their research suggests teens are preferring friends and family time and are prioritising education and careers, with many choosing to communicate online.
Read more on the BBC.
Quote of the week: Clare Stevens, a paediatric dental consultant, in the Guardian
“I look back on this time and think we were lucky. Sam has made a near full recovery and I was forced to stop and think about my priorities. I used to work away four nights a week but have changed my job plan to work flexibly. I hope that I have become a better consultant. I have changed my style; I think I am more empathetic and I am certainly more flexible. Some think that our home lives should not impact on our work, but I disagree. This was a pivotal moment in my career and for that I am thankful. More than ever I realise that, as healthcare professionals, we don’t know everything. It is important to hear the patient’s voice.”