Category Archives: Carers

Patients will view their NHS records online in three years

November 13, 2012   Carers, health

NHS patients will be given online access to their health records in the next three years under plans to be announced by the Government today.

 

The move for online health records comes despite the decision by Andrew Lansley, the previous health secretary, to cancel a massive NHS national database

By , Political Editor

7:00AM GMT 13 Nov 201

Doctors’ surgeries will have to set up services to allow anyone to see their health files, book appointments and order repeat prescriptions on the internet.

People will also be given detailed information on the survival rates and success of treatments in their areas, so they can choose to go to more “successful” hospitals or doctors if they wish.

A Government source said: “Many people are juggling longer working hours with caring for children and older relatives.

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Don’t just blame staff – companies must be ‘accountable’ for care home failings

November 13, 2012   Carers, learning difficulties, mental health

Minister pledges new rules to ensure firms which fail vulnerable patients are punished
Nina Lakhani

Tuesday 13 November 2012

Private companies which get public money to run care homes will be made “corporately accountable” for poor standards, the Care Services minister has pledged.

Norman Lamb said he would address regulatory gaps to ensure there were consequences for firms which failed vulnerable patients in hospitals or care homes. At present, care home staff and managers are more likely to be held accountable for abuse than the companies, executives and investors that actually profit from failing homes.

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Doctors could Skype patients to save time and money.

November 12, 2012   Carers, telecare

Online video calling such as Skype could be used for GPs consultations with patients and save the NHS money, legal advisers have said.

 

Patients in rural areas or those with disabilities could use Skype to talk to their GP ‘face-to-face’ without having to leave their own home

By , Medical Editor

4:44PM GMT 12 Nov 2012

Providing doctors are aware of the limitations of the technology and are careful that the video link in secure, video calling could reduce the number of missed GP appointments, a medical legal organisation has said.

Patients in rural areas or those with disabilities could use Skype to talk to their GP ‘face-to-face’ without having to leave their own home, the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland said in advice to doctors.

The organisation provides indemnity insurance and legal advice to members.

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