Tag Archives: health
NHS building online app centre
NHS building online app centre
The NHS Commissioning Board is building a directory of online apps to help people improve their health and wellbeing.
The directory will be a trusted listing of online health and care tools, all of which will be accessible from mobile devices or desktop computers.
The sort of online tool in the directory include things such as care planning to support people living with one or more long-term condition, in which they can create online care plans, record their experiences and invite their carers to see these online.
It will also look at information and advice for older people, particularly if this can help reduce isolation and loneliness. The directory will be revealed at Innovation Expo in March 2013, held in London’s ExCel Centre.
Extra funding announced to support people in their own homes
Care and Support Minister, Norman Lamb has announced an extra £40m will be added to the Disabled Facilities Grant to help people remain independent in their own homes for longer.
Speaking today at the Housing Learning and Improvement Network Conference 2012, Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb said:
“For people with disabilities and older people, even the simplest things such as walking, getting up the stairs and climbing in and out of the bathtub can become difficult.
“We know that most people want to remain independent and be supported in their own home as far as possible. This funding will help people make the necessary practical changes to help them remain in their own home and prevent or even postpone the development of health and care needs.
“An adaptation can make a huge difference to the life of an older person by helping them access all facilities and all parts of their home safely and independently. Research shows that for every £1,000 spent through the Disabled Facilities Grant, the quality of life gains are estimated at £1,723 per year.”
This extra funding will enable more older people and adults with disabilities to have better quality of life and also help them remain independent and in their own home for longer.
‘Never mind the patient, tick the box’
Regulation and inspection are often increased after a crisis
By Prof Sue Bailey President, Royal College of Psychiatrists
Scandals lead to inquiries and to recommendations – leading to a focus on filling in forms and ticking the right boxes.But in this week’s Scrubbing Up Sue Bailey, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, says it’s time to listen to those receiving the care.
Why do care standards break down? We’ve all read heartbreaking stories of elderly people with dementia or patients with learning difficulties being neglected, mistreated and abused.
When things go wrong, inquiries are set up, reports are published and lessons learnt.
Think Winterbourne View; Mid-Staffordshire; childcare in Rochdale, or the Carlisle Report.
At heart, the recommendations boil down to improving communication, listening, learning and acting. It means taking notice of what patients and service users have to say.
Blame culture
But when trying to deliver the right kind of care, the health service often addresses regulation, standard setting, inspection and monitoring.
