NAO: Not making the most of the Golden Hour - There is unacceptable variation in major trauma care in England depending upon where & when people are treated, according to a National Audit Office report.
Care for patients who have suffered major trauma (for example following a road accident or a fall) has not significantly improved in the last 20 years despite numerous reports identifying poor practice and services are not being delivered efficiently, or effectively.
Survival rates vary significantly from hospital to hospital, with a range from 5 unexpected survivors to 8 unexpected deaths per 100 trauma patients, reflecting the variable quality of care. The NAO estimates that 450 to 600 lives could be saved each year in England if major trauma care was managed more effectively:
* Only one hospital has 24/7 consultant care
* Major trauma care is not co-ordinated and there are no formal arrangements for taking patients directly for specialist treatment or transferring them between hospitals.
* A significant number of patients that need a CT scan do not receive one
* Not enough patients who need a critical care bed are given one
* Access to rehabilitation services varies across the country
CRC: It’s pretty, but often far, far from the health service - The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) has given cancer patients in rural areas the chance to comment on their experiences. Insights from patients, their families & from service providers suggest that living in the countryside can affect the quality of cancer care.
There are particular challenges associated with running awareness campaigns & screening services in rural areas and difficult or costly journeys to hospital place extra strain on patients. The provision of care for discharged cancer patients remote from health services and with poor public transport is a further concern.
MPA: The ‘wheels of justice’ start to slowly grind - The Metropolitan police Authority (MPA) has issued a statement regarding ‘Action following Commander Dizaei verdict’ (see press release).
The MPA’s Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee (PSCSC) is responsible for both senior officer discipline and police pension forfeiture. Following the verdict in the Commander Dizaei case, the IPCC has sent its report to the MPA. The PSCSC will now set in train the appropriate course of actions.
CLG: Alternative means of funding for the third sector - Communities Secretary John Denham has said that the ‘unique skills & community benefits of the third sector must not be overlooked by councils looking to improve local public services’. Many third sector organisations bid to deliver community based local services, but Ministers are concerned that too many lack the technical skills or are too small scale to win contracts for council run projects.
The Government has launched a new community enterprise strategic framework to help more local groups set up successful local social enterprises. The public sector is facing a period of constrained expenditure and with philanthropic donations slowing it is vital that community enterprises can raise their own finances. The strategic framework reinforces the commitment to explore new innovative ways to independently raise funds.
As part of Putting the Frontline First the Government proposed piloting Social Impact Bonds as a new way of funding the third sector to provide services. This has the potential to radically change how government funds the third sector, by rewarding social investors for work, which reduces future social costs. CLG is actively testing the feasibility of a pilot in Leeds.
MoD: Is it enough when compared to an MP’s resettlement payout or civil compensation? - The MOD has published the results of the comprehensive review of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. The review found several areas where the Scheme could be improved. All the members of the Independent Scrutiny Group unanimously endorsed the Review’s recommendations.
The Secretary of State for Defence has agreed to implement all the recommendations made. Implementation of the Review will involve legislation, which will take time to deliver. Changes however will exceptionally apply to all those who have received compensation under this Scheme, going back to 2005.
MoD: Ensuring that they are not just ‘cast aside’ - Soldiers who are sick or injured will be given enhanced support to help them successfully return to duties or transition into civilian life under new plans announced by the MoD. The Army Recovery Capability (ARC) will take soldiers from the point of injury or illness through to their return to duty or into a successful & supported civilian life.
Under the ARC, educational, occupational & welfare support will be delivered to soldiers in a military environment. The scheme will be delivered in partnership with the Service charities the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes, as well as other Government Departments. See also NAO item in ‘General Reports and Other Publications’ section.
DH: Can we afford to do anything about it now, even if (in the longer term) it could save money? - A major report on tackling health inequalities for the next 10 years & beyond has been ‘welcomed’ by the Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham.
Professor Sir Michael Marmot of University College London was asked by the Government to provide a clear set of short, medium & long term objectives to inform how health inequalities can be dramatically reduced.
Fair Society, Healthy Lives is an analysis of health inequalities in England today and it identifies key areas for future action. It will help set the direction beyond current targets, for the next 10 years & beyond.
DCSF: Stretched to breaking point - All local authorities will be required to provide short breaks for parents & carers who look after a disabled child, under plans announced last week by the government.
Short breaks from their caring responsibilities can & do make a vital difference to parents’ lives and the lives of their children. Short break services include day-time or overnight care in or out of the home.
The public consultation (closes on Monday 26 April 2010) will, if agreed, mean all local authorities are required to provide short break services for parents who care for disabled children.
The short break provision has already proved popular with parents & carers with a significant increase in uptake in both the pathfinder authorities and those authorities that rolled out provision in 2009. Final guidance & regulations should be published in September 2010.
Forthcoming Event: Gartner Business Process Management
Summit, 1-2 March, London
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Hot Topics covered at the
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