Author Archives: Maureen
Concerns over care have been ‘hidden’ to avoid rows, says David Cameron
Politicians have “hidden away” concerns about the quality of care in NHS hospitals because they are too respectful of nurses, David Cameron has said.
The Prime Minister said that he and other leaders had been too wary of criticising standards of care for fear of rows with nurses.
But “chilling” evidence of poor care for elderly patients meant that it was time to “speak up” about standards.
Mr Cameron, who visited hospitals in the North West yesterday, called for changes in the way nurses do their jobs.
Patient champions receive funding boost
The future local champions for patients and the public have been given a £3.5m funding boost, Andrew Lansley has announced
The local bodies will give patients, members of the public, and carers a say over how their health service is run.
From next year, an additional £3.2m will be made available to local authorities to establish Local Healthwatch, the new local health bodies set to replace Local Involvement Networks.
An additional £370,000 will be made available until the end of the 2011/12 financial year for 75 pathfinders and can be used in any part of their development. This could include spreading best practice, engaging more in the community, and financially supporting volunteers.
Public ‘still facing significant social care costs’
Social care chiefs say any future system in England will be a partnership between state and individual.
4 January 2012 Last updated at 00:41
By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News
Individuals will still face significant social care costs even if politicians reach agreement on reform, experts say.
Cross-party talks starting later this month are expected to consider plans put forward in an independent review that costs should be capped at £35,000.
But some believe the final cap may have to be higher and have warned it will not cover everything anyway.
Social care chiefs say any future system in England will be a partnership between state and individual.
