Further to my rant on the above subject yesterday , I know wonder if young carers will be included in the new carers organisation for most of Wiltshire ?
After all for many a year I have attended meetings at which the subject of transfer for child carers to adult carers support has been the topic of debate , almost all people agree this has been a grey area , how we have a change to build in a robust link between both vital services .
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
County wide based carer support
One of the fundamental problems for carers I have found is the confusion caused when caring commitments cross pre-determined Local authority funding boundaries and Carer Support Groups boundaries , this does , without any doubt cause extra stress for the carer .
Some time ago I was in the situation of dealing with 2 elderly family members, both living in the same county but in the geographical area of two Carer Support Orgs , I have to say that it was chaotic in the extreme , many phone calls and letters having to be duplicated .
We now have in Wiltshire , with the bringing together of four of the five carer support organisations some progress in service delivery to carers , what a shame that Swindon Borough and Wiltshire Council could not set up a joint budget to enable a truly single Wiltshire Carers Organisation
Some time ago I was in the situation of dealing with 2 elderly family members, both living in the same county but in the geographical area of two Carer Support Orgs , I have to say that it was chaotic in the extreme , many phone calls and letters having to be duplicated .
We now have in Wiltshire , with the bringing together of four of the five carer support organisations some progress in service delivery to carers , what a shame that Swindon Borough and Wiltshire Council could not set up a joint budget to enable a truly single Wiltshire Carers Organisation
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Fraud in the NHS
The following article came from the BBC news page
NHS fraud cases 'rise by 37% in the last three years'
The number of fraud cases investigated in the NHS has risen by 37% in the last three years, official figures show.
NHS Counter Fraud Service figures showed the number of cases of potential fraud detected and investigated rose from 351 in 2007/8 to 415 in 2008/9 and 482 in 2009/10.
A service spokeswoman said there was improved awareness of fraud in the NHS and how to report it.
Problems include unpaid prescriptions and staff claims for unworked shifts.
According to the figures, the value of fraud and unlawful action identified was £4.1m in 2007/8, £16.2 in 2008/9 and £10.9 in 2009/10.
The organisation said recurrent kinds of fraud related to staff and professionals claiming money for shifts not worked, which is known as "timesheet fraud", and employees working in unauthorised jobs while on sick leave.
Other categories included patients who might try to avoid paying prescriptions by falsely claiming exemptions or using aliases to obtain drugs, and contractors or suppliers attempting to exaggerate records of NHS work.
The spokeswoman said: "There are a number of possible explanations for the rise in fraud cases over the last three years. One of these is that fraud has indeed risen.
"There is also a greater awareness of fraud in the NHS and how to report it and the NHS Counter Fraud Service has become increasingly effective at detecting and investigating reported cases."
Head of operations Allan Carter told the Times newspaper that "in times of recession people will look to maximise their opportunities".
He said more than £65m had been recovered to date.
From April, the NHS Counter Fraud Service's anti-fraud functions which cannot be undertaken locally will be carried out by NHS Protect.
It is understood that the new body is likely to provide guidance and assistance to local NHS bodies.
Now time and time again we have heard of the waste due to fraud in the NHS indeed when the Old NHS bank was closed down Fraud was to be a major subject for improvement yet its clear that things have only got worse !
Will NHS Protect do any better ? I fear not
Mike
NHS fraud cases 'rise by 37% in the last three years'
The number of fraud cases investigated in the NHS has risen by 37% in the last three years, official figures show.
NHS Counter Fraud Service figures showed the number of cases of potential fraud detected and investigated rose from 351 in 2007/8 to 415 in 2008/9 and 482 in 2009/10.
A service spokeswoman said there was improved awareness of fraud in the NHS and how to report it.
Problems include unpaid prescriptions and staff claims for unworked shifts.
According to the figures, the value of fraud and unlawful action identified was £4.1m in 2007/8, £16.2 in 2008/9 and £10.9 in 2009/10.
The organisation said recurrent kinds of fraud related to staff and professionals claiming money for shifts not worked, which is known as "timesheet fraud", and employees working in unauthorised jobs while on sick leave.
Other categories included patients who might try to avoid paying prescriptions by falsely claiming exemptions or using aliases to obtain drugs, and contractors or suppliers attempting to exaggerate records of NHS work.
The spokeswoman said: "There are a number of possible explanations for the rise in fraud cases over the last three years. One of these is that fraud has indeed risen.
"There is also a greater awareness of fraud in the NHS and how to report it and the NHS Counter Fraud Service has become increasingly effective at detecting and investigating reported cases."
Head of operations Allan Carter told the Times newspaper that "in times of recession people will look to maximise their opportunities".
He said more than £65m had been recovered to date.
From April, the NHS Counter Fraud Service's anti-fraud functions which cannot be undertaken locally will be carried out by NHS Protect.
It is understood that the new body is likely to provide guidance and assistance to local NHS bodies.
Now time and time again we have heard of the waste due to fraud in the NHS indeed when the Old NHS bank was closed down Fraud was to be a major subject for improvement yet its clear that things have only got worse !
Will NHS Protect do any better ? I fear not
Mike
Monday, December 20, 2010
The Twelve Days of Christmas
TUESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2010
The following has been posted on several blogs , web sites and you tube , its so good I have had to add it to my blog
The Twelve Days of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas the Government took from me the right to peace and harmony.
On the second day of Christmas the Government took from me,
social standing,
and the right to peace and harmony
On the third day of Christmas the Government took from me,
my I B,
social standing, and the right to peace and harmony.
On the fourth day of Christmas the Government took from me,
my contributions,
my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony.
On the fifth day of Christmas the Government took from me,
my bu-us pass,
my contributions, my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony.
On the sixth day of Christmas the Government took from me,
rights to housing,
my bu-us pass, my contributions, my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony.
On the seventh day of Christmas the Government took from me,
mobility in care homes,
rights to housing, my bu-us pass, my contributions, my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony
On the eighth day of Christmas the Government took from me,
5 years of pension,
mobility in care homes, rights to housing, my bu-us pass, my contributions, my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony
On the ninth day of Christmas the Government took from me,
council funded care,
5 years of pension, mobility in care homes, rights to housing, my bu-us pass, my contributions, my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony
On the tenth day of Christmas the Government took from me,
All my DLA,
council funded care, 5 years of pension, mobility in care homes, rights to housing, my bu-us pass, my contributions, my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony
On the eleventh day of Christmas the Government took from me,
Independent Living Fund,
All my DLA, council funded care, 5 years of pension, mobility in care homes, rights to housing, my bu-us pass, my contributions, my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony
On the Twelfth day of Christmas the Government gave to me,
a ticket to Dignitas.
Contemporary words by 'Hossylass'
The following has been posted on several blogs , web sites and you tube , its so good I have had to add it to my blog
The Twelve Days of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas the Government took from me the right to peace and harmony.
On the second day of Christmas the Government took from me,
social standing,
and the right to peace and harmony
On the third day of Christmas the Government took from me,
my I B,
social standing, and the right to peace and harmony.
On the fourth day of Christmas the Government took from me,
my contributions,
my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony.
On the fifth day of Christmas the Government took from me,
my bu-us pass,
my contributions, my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony.
On the sixth day of Christmas the Government took from me,
rights to housing,
my bu-us pass, my contributions, my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony.
On the seventh day of Christmas the Government took from me,
mobility in care homes,
rights to housing, my bu-us pass, my contributions, my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony
On the eighth day of Christmas the Government took from me,
5 years of pension,
mobility in care homes, rights to housing, my bu-us pass, my contributions, my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony
On the ninth day of Christmas the Government took from me,
council funded care,
5 years of pension, mobility in care homes, rights to housing, my bu-us pass, my contributions, my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony
On the tenth day of Christmas the Government took from me,
All my DLA,
council funded care, 5 years of pension, mobility in care homes, rights to housing, my bu-us pass, my contributions, my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony
On the eleventh day of Christmas the Government took from me,
Independent Living Fund,
All my DLA, council funded care, 5 years of pension, mobility in care homes, rights to housing, my bu-us pass, my contributions, my I B, social standing, and the right to peace and harmony
On the Twelfth day of Christmas the Government gave to me,
a ticket to Dignitas.
Contemporary words by 'Hossylass'
Short spells in the sun are good !
New health advice recommends short spells in the sun - without suncream and in the middle of the day.
Seven organisations have issued joint advice on vitamin D, which the body gets from natural sunlight.
The nutrient keeps bones strong, and protects against conditions like osteoporosis.
The guidance was drawn up because it is thought fears about skin cancer have made people too cautious about being in the sun.
Cancer Research UK and the National Osteoporosis Society are among the bodies which agree that "little and frequent" spells in summer sunshine several times a week can benefit your health.
The experts now say it is fine to go outside in strong sun in the middle of the day, as long as you cover up or apply sunscreen before your skin goes red.
This is excellent news to all sufferers SAD
Seven organisations have issued joint advice on vitamin D, which the body gets from natural sunlight.
The nutrient keeps bones strong, and protects against conditions like osteoporosis.
The guidance was drawn up because it is thought fears about skin cancer have made people too cautious about being in the sun.
Cancer Research UK and the National Osteoporosis Society are among the bodies which agree that "little and frequent" spells in summer sunshine several times a week can benefit your health.
The experts now say it is fine to go outside in strong sun in the middle of the day, as long as you cover up or apply sunscreen before your skin goes red.
This is excellent news to all sufferers SAD
Monday, December 13, 2010
Cuts will test the NHS and social services in England
The recently announced Government spending plans will test the NHS and social services in England to the limit, a report by the Commons Health Select Committee syas and brother dont we all know it !!!.
The MPs state that the plans assume efficiency savings on a scale never before seen in social health or NHS fields of operation .
The Mp's are calling for the Department of Health to deliver a "credible plan" on where the efficiency gains will be made.
NHS CEO Sir David Nicholson has estimated the health service needs to make efficiency savings worth between £15bn and £20bn over the next four years.
The chairman of the Health Select Committee, former Conservative health secretary Stephen Dorrell, said that target will test both the NHS and social services to the limit.
"There is no precedent for efficiency gains on this scale in the history of the NHS, nor has any precedent yet been found of any healthcare system anywhere in the world doing anything similar," Mr Dorrell said.
The committee also looked at adult social services because of significant cross-over between care services and the NHS.
The reorganisation of the NHS will cost around £1.7bn, but the committee is not so sure.
Efficiency savings
"It is unfortunate that the government has not yet provided even a broad estimate of the likely reorganisation costs; and it is unhelpful for the government to continue to cite the £1.7 billion figure, as it does not relate to their specific proposals," the report says.
A Department of Health spokesman said the government was committed to sustaining and improving services in the face of a tough economic climate, but efficiency savings were needed.
"Reform isn't an option, it's a necessity in order to sustain and improve our NHS.
"We have been clear that the NHS must cut back on bureaucracy, not on front-line care."
The spokesman said additional funding for social care worth £2bn would be available by 2015.
"This additional investment will make it possible to protect people's access to care, without tightening eligibility.
"Councils and NHS partners will need to work harder to improve efficiency and achieve improved value for money."
Nigel Edwards, acting chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents 95% of organisations that make up the NHS, said the committee had got it exactly right.
The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services also warned that some tough years lie ahead.
Association president Richard Jones said a gap will open up between the needs and demands of older people and adults with disabilities, and the resources available to meet them. ?
All this is very worrying , are we heading for a melt down in the field of health and social welfare in England
The MPs state that the plans assume efficiency savings on a scale never before seen in social health or NHS fields of operation .
The Mp's are calling for the Department of Health to deliver a "credible plan" on where the efficiency gains will be made.
NHS CEO Sir David Nicholson has estimated the health service needs to make efficiency savings worth between £15bn and £20bn over the next four years.
The chairman of the Health Select Committee, former Conservative health secretary Stephen Dorrell, said that target will test both the NHS and social services to the limit.
"There is no precedent for efficiency gains on this scale in the history of the NHS, nor has any precedent yet been found of any healthcare system anywhere in the world doing anything similar," Mr Dorrell said.
The committee also looked at adult social services because of significant cross-over between care services and the NHS.
The reorganisation of the NHS will cost around £1.7bn, but the committee is not so sure.
Efficiency savings
"It is unfortunate that the government has not yet provided even a broad estimate of the likely reorganisation costs; and it is unhelpful for the government to continue to cite the £1.7 billion figure, as it does not relate to their specific proposals," the report says.
A Department of Health spokesman said the government was committed to sustaining and improving services in the face of a tough economic climate, but efficiency savings were needed.
"Reform isn't an option, it's a necessity in order to sustain and improve our NHS.
"We have been clear that the NHS must cut back on bureaucracy, not on front-line care."
The spokesman said additional funding for social care worth £2bn would be available by 2015.
"This additional investment will make it possible to protect people's access to care, without tightening eligibility.
"Councils and NHS partners will need to work harder to improve efficiency and achieve improved value for money."
Nigel Edwards, acting chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents 95% of organisations that make up the NHS, said the committee had got it exactly right.
The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services also warned that some tough years lie ahead.
Association president Richard Jones said a gap will open up between the needs and demands of older people and adults with disabilities, and the resources available to meet them. ?
All this is very worrying , are we heading for a melt down in the field of health and social welfare in England
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Report of the Independent Investigation into the care and treatment of Mr SN. The South West Strategic Health Authority published today
The Following is fron the web site of AWP
"Mr SN was convicted of the murder of Mr Philip Hendy, whom he had fatally stabbed on 29 April 2007.
Mr SN received a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years. Mr SN had been in receipt of mental health services, latterly provided by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust since 1990.
The report states: “We do not consider that responsibility for the homicide can be attributed to the failings of any individual, but we do make a number of findings and recommendations aimed at improving clinical practice and case management. We express particular concern about record keeping, the lack of diagnostic formulation, risk assessment, and the sharing of information between agencies. We make strong recommendations about the care of the bereaved families of victims, and we propose a review of the Independent Investigation process to reduce delay and duplication”.
Hazel Watson, the Trust's Director of Nursing said: “We deeply regret the tragic death of Mr Philip Hendy and once again offer our deepest sympathy to his family and to all those who have been touched by his untimely death. “We accept the criticisms of some of the procedures which existed in parts of the Trust in 2007.
Significant improvements have already been made.”
I like many will have grave concerns that to many of these system failures seam to be taking place , we seam to have lots of reports lots of sugested action but no improvement ?
"Mr SN was convicted of the murder of Mr Philip Hendy, whom he had fatally stabbed on 29 April 2007.
Mr SN received a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years. Mr SN had been in receipt of mental health services, latterly provided by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust since 1990.
The report states: “We do not consider that responsibility for the homicide can be attributed to the failings of any individual, but we do make a number of findings and recommendations aimed at improving clinical practice and case management. We express particular concern about record keeping, the lack of diagnostic formulation, risk assessment, and the sharing of information between agencies. We make strong recommendations about the care of the bereaved families of victims, and we propose a review of the Independent Investigation process to reduce delay and duplication”.
Hazel Watson, the Trust's Director of Nursing said: “We deeply regret the tragic death of Mr Philip Hendy and once again offer our deepest sympathy to his family and to all those who have been touched by his untimely death. “We accept the criticisms of some of the procedures which existed in parts of the Trust in 2007.
Significant improvements have already been made.”
I like many will have grave concerns that to many of these system failures seam to be taking place , we seam to have lots of reports lots of sugested action but no improvement ?
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