An audit of physiotherapy services in England

This audit shows clear evidence that early access to physiotherapy services is highly cost effective and clinically effective for a wide range of patients including stroke survivors, those with musculoskeletal disorders and patients with long term conditions.

The public wants more choice of NHS care

A new survey commissioned by the Department of Health reports that of 5,000 respondents, 80% want more choice over how and where they are treated in the NHS and nearly ¾ want more choice in who provides their hospital care.

Guidance on choice of named consultant led team

This document provides guidance to providers and commissioners on implementation of the Government commitment to introduce choice of named consultant-led team for a first outpatient appointment for elective care where clinically appropriate.

When a Person Dies: Guidance for Professionals on Developing Bereavement Services

This new publication from the National End of Life Care covers the principles of bereavement services, along with bereavement care in the days preceding death, at the time of death and in the days following death. It also includes guidance on workforce and education, and the commissioning and quality outcomes of bereavement care.

King’s Fund reports on NHS performance

Many NHS hospitals will struggle to deliver productivity improvements essential to maintaining quality and avoiding significant cuts to services, according to the latest quarterly monitoring report from the King’s Fund.

Significant variation in numbers of women in England undergoing uterine fibroid

A survey by the Medical Technology Group to explore the provision of and access to uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) treatment for fibroids, found significant variation in the numbers of women undergoing UFE, and a lack of patient involvement in commissioning fibroid treatments.

Greater management of hyperglycaemia in patients with acute coronary syndromes needed

NICE recommends that patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) should have their blood glucose levels actively controlled if it is raised on admission to hospital. Currently, hyperglycaemia is not being considered as a risk factor for ACS and frequently remains untreated.

Improving support for older people looking after someone with advanced cancer

This briefing paper is about the findings and recommendations from a research project The whose aim was to study the experiences and main support needs of older carers* looking after someone with advanced cancer. The support services most important to older carers include: Regular health checks and prompt health care; practical help and equipment; a 24hour ‘manned’ helpline; regular visits by a palliative care specialist; reliable written information.

Study highlights benefits of radiotherapy after breast cancer surgery

This study, published in the Lancet says that radiotherapy following breast-conserving surgery "not only substantially reduces the risk of recurrence but also moderately reduces the risk of death from breast cancer".