External contributors – Page 25
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CommentFamily hopes are being dashed by post pandemic aftershocks
The latest data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has shown that more people than ever before having fertility treatment. HFEA Chair, Julia Chain, explains that despite patient numbers reaching pre-pandemic levels, aftershocks from covid-19 are standing in the way of some patients trying to have a baby
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CommentThe case for embedding welfare rights advisers throughout the NHS
Dr Sarah Beardon argues ICSs need to think more strategically about developing health justice partnerships, which should to be implemented at scale for the benefit of communities nationwide
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CommentSocial investment funding: a lifeline for the NHS
The potential for social investment has been demonstrated on an individual service level and now is the time for it to fuel ICS-wide innovation funding to support transformation and improve patient care, writes Katy Nex
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CommentThe lessons learned by health secretaries in the NHS's first 75 years
On the occasion of NHS’s 75th anniversary, Jennifer Dixon writes about former health ministers recognising NHS’s enduring popularity, chronic underinvestment, and political challenges as they emphasised public support, fairness, and the inefficiency of alternative models
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CommentEnshrining visiting rights in law
Julia Jones highlights the proposed bill granting patients the right to a care supporter, emphasising patient choice while elaborating on the cross-party support and endorsements from various organisations
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CommentGovernment’s reluctance to invest in the NHS workforce is a false economy
Nick Moberly on the need for a stronger neurology workforce to tackle delays and reduce emergency admissions.
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CommentGood managers: the workforce the NHS most desperately needs
A shortage of managers in the NHS hampers system working and burdens clinical staff, argues Chris Thomas.
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CommentElective waiting list breaks new record
Of 7.4 million waiting, 6.3 million do not have a diagnosis and decision, and 26,800 of those may turn out to have cancer
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CommentWhy the next waiting time targets will be much harder to meet
The NHS’s favourite way of delivering waiting time targets is faltering
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CommentProfessional regulation needs both flexibility and accountability
The government’s recently proposed reforms will shape the future of healthcare professional regulation, so it’s imperative to ensure the changes work not just for the regulators and professionals but also for patients, explains Professional Standards Authority chief Alan Clamp
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CommentInadequate infrastructure is harming general practice
The UK’s general practice faces infrastructure challenges, including lack of space, outdated IT systems, and funding shortages, hindering care provision and workforce expansion. Urgent investment and plans are needed to address these issues and ensure high-quality care, writes Professor Kamila Hawthorne
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CommentNHS policy on bullying and discrimination is an evidence-free zone
The existing HR strategies in the NHS lack evidence-based approaches, which hinders their effectiveness in tackling discrimination and bullying. To establish a safer and more equitable workplace, proactive measures, accountability, and debiasing processes are crucial, explains Roger Kline
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CommentHow to enable success with place-based partnerships
Joshua Edwards elaborates on the barriers as well as enablers that will help understand trust leaders’ initial experiences of working with others at place to set ambitions and deliver better outcomes
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CommentLabour’s pledge to restore 18-week waits in five years IS feasible
The biggest task will be keeping up with demand. Beyond that, restoring 18 weeks in one term looks feasible.
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CommentCrisis deepens as government fails to restore rehab space
Urgent action is needed as the government’s failure to restore rehab space is leading to dire consequences for patients, staff, and the healthcare system, exacerbating waiting lists and compromising patient care
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CommentThe cost of living has become a barrier to accessing good healthcare in England
The cost of living can have a detrimental impact on people’s decisions about their healthcare. If you are disabled, on means-tested benefits or aged 18-24, you are more likely to avoid vital health services due to the fear of extra costs. Louise Ansari, chief executive of Healthwatch England, warns that ...
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CommentCan ICSs be trusted to support mental health services?
The independence of ICSs has provided them with a wonderful chance to implement early detection and intervention programmes and expand mental health services to meet current and potential demands, writes Sarah Hughes
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CommentFocusing on national targets is not the best way to improve patient flow
Jonathon Holmes explains how sharing data on capacity and demand at a regional footprint level, has allowed a consistent and clear overview of capacity, excess demand, and where pinch points are emerging
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CommentTackling the postcode lottery of intermediate care
To address the ongoing issue of delayed patient discharges in hospitals and ensure prompt patient discharges, collaboration between trusts and system partners is crucial, as well as governmental support and financial commitment, explains Hannah Hayes
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CommentThe biggest risk AI poses to the NHS is failing to harness its benefits
AI has the capacity to tackle major issues that the NHS is confronting, but there are still unknown dangers associated with it, making a strong case for regulatory oversight, writes Luke O’Shea