News in brief – w/e 1 July 2022

News in brief – w/e 1 July 2022

Better mental health support for those in crisis

The Government has announced Better mental health support for people in crisis, with patients benefiting from new mental health ambulances and improvements to crisis care backed by £150 million, as the Draft Mental Health Bill 2022 moves to pre-legislative scrutiny.

Stronger regulation of medical devices planned

In its response to a consultation on the future regulation of medical devices in the United Kingdom, the Government said it would strengthen the powers of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to keep patients safe. See: Consultation on the future regulation of medical devices in the United Kingdom

Value of mutual aid

The NHS Confederation has published a blog by Professor Sir Chris Ham and Matthew Taylor saying that the refresh of the NHS Long Term Plan should embrace the positive lessons from the pandemic. Difficulties in discharging patients must be solved and mutual aid involving health and social care is an essential part of any solution. See: The refresh of the NHS Long Term Plan should embrace the positive lessons from the pandemic | NHS Confederation

Reconnecting after the pandemic

Deborah Sturdy, Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care reflected on what reconnecting after the pandemic meant for care colleagues supporting people with learning disabilities, in a blog produced for Mencap's Learning Disability Week.

Study shows prevalence of eating problems in older homecare clients

Results from the University of Eastern Finland study show nearly 30% of the 250 older care clients studied reported poor appetite, 20% had problems with chewing, 14% had problems with swallowing, and nearly 20% reported eating problems related to teeth or dentures. See: Study reveals the prevalence and determinants of eating problems among older home care clients (news-medical.net)

Fuller Review of integrated primary care

The Fuller Review has reported on a national stocktake of systems to enable more integrated primary care at neighbourhood and place, with a view to making a significant impact on improving the health of their local communities. The Fuller stocktake, which was based on extensive engagement, sets out a new vision for integrating primary care, improving the access, experience and outcomes for our communities. See: Fuller report.docx

Adult family carers feel increasingly isolated

A survey of adult carers in England has revealed the proportion who felt they have little social contact and feel socially isolated has increased from 17.4% to 20.9%.
Carers feeling they have no encouragement or support increased from 20.7% in 2018-19 to 22.8% in 2021-22. Personal Social Services Survey of Adult Carers in England, 2021-22 - NHS Digital

999 and 112 - UK's national emergency numbers

112 is the pan-European equivalent to 999 and can be used in the UK. This means both 999 and 112 reach our national emergency response service in the UK.

Developing a positive working culture for supporting disabled children and young people with severe complex needs

NICE have published a quick guide for social workers and social care practitioners to help them work together to put the views, life goals, ambitions and preferences of the disabled child or young person with severe complex needs at the centre of planning and decision-making.

National Co-production Week

SCIE says National Co-production Week is back for a seventh year and takes place 4 July to 9 July 2022. It celebrates the benefits of co-production, share good practice and promote the contribution of people who use services and carers in developing better public services.

Who can issue fit notes: guidance for healthcare professionals and their employers

From 1 July 2022 nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists can certify fit notes in addition to doctors. Guidance which provides advice to these health professionals and their employers about certifying fit notes has been published.

Who can issue fit notes: guidance for healthcare professionals and their employers