Monthly Archives: March 2014

Are expectations for integrating health and social care unrealistic?

Better joint working between sectors is being seen as part of a shift to a preventive model of care, but there should be pragmatism about what can be achieved
An elderly Sikh lady is helped
Better linkage of preventative services will lead to people being identified and supported earlier.

Despite successive governments recognising the potential benefits of supporting older people to stay well, avoid injury and get back on their feet after a hospital admission, it has proved difficult to achieve change in practice.

That does not mean that there has been no progress. There are re-ablement and falls prevention services available in most local areas, and numerous examples of innovative projects being delivered through the third sector. However, the much called-for shift to a more preventive model is yet to become a reality.

Screen carers for depression, say doctors' leaders

The Royal College of GPs said carers often neglected their own healthcare needs

Carers should be routinely screened for signs of depression by their GP to ensure their health needs are not neglected, doctors’ leaders say.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) estimates one in every 20 patients registered with a GP practice is providing unpaid care.

About 40% of carers are thought to be at risk of depression or stress because of their caring role.

Charity Carers UK said GPs had a vital role to play in supporting carers.

It is estimated that seven million people in the UK currently provide unpaid care to a sick or disabled child or an adult who could not otherwise live independently.

Many of them are already known to GPs, but the RCGP says more should be done to improve the support and services offered to carers.

British hospital to become first in Europe to use Skype for consultations

A hospital in Staffordshire is set to become the first in Europe where doctors consult with their patients via Skype

11:23AM GMT 10 Mar 2014

Managers at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire claim using the online video calling service could reduce outpatient appointments by up to 35 per cent.

They argue that using Skype will help free up consultants’ time and car parking spaces – while also helping patients who are unable to take time off work.

If approved, they would become the first UK hospital to use Skype to consult with patients.

The proposals, by Staffordshire’s biggest hospital, also include doctors treating patients via email consultations.

The move – which is part of a range of schemes to ease pressure on the hospital, which is coping with big increases in demand – has been welcomed by health campaigners.