Health and care sector latest developments
Measles outbreak affects north London
Over 60 children in north London have been infected with measles.
The Guardian reports that this has led to some children being hospitalised, as concerns are being raised about low levels of MMR vaccination in the capital.
As a result, a government campaign promoting childhood vaccination has been announced today.
NHS plans major increase in private diagnostic services
NHS England is set to expand the use of private providers to deliver a third of the additional nine million diagnostic tests needed over the next three years, aiming to reduce patient waiting times and meet targets.
As reported by HSJ, the move would raise the independent sector’s share from 20 per cent to roughly 30 per cent, focusing mainly on imaging services.
While NHSE stressed the importance of strong partnerships with private providers, some NHS leaders, alongside the Royal College of Radiologists, have expressed their concern about resistance and long-term sustainability, urging for more investment in the NHS workforce.
Ageing ambulances causing delays
Many NHS ambulance trusts are struggling with ageing fleets, delayed parts and slow delivery of new vehicles, leaving many ambulances off the road and slowing 999 response times in some regions.
According to HSJ, South Central Ambulance Service declared a ‘business continuity incident’ after high vehicle downtime worsened winter pressures, while other trusts like also report significant off-road rates affecting capacity.
NHSE recruits for study on severe mental illness
NHSE is recruiting thousands of people to take part in a study of severe mental illness.
Close to 50,000 people living with schizophrenia and severe depression are set to be invited to the study, which will analyse their DNA alongside a detailed questionnaire in an attempt to understand better what increases the risk and severity of severe mental health conditions.
The overall aim of the study is to improve diagnosis and unlock more personalised treatments.
NHSE's national medical director for mental health and neurodiversity, Dr Adrian James, said the study could ‘lead to the dawn of a new era of personalised treatments for patients with conditions including schizophrenia and severe depression.’
