Health and care sector latest developments
Flagship NHS England tech policy creating ‘patient safety risks’, claim analysts
The rollout of the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP) has sparked concern among analysts about patient safety risks. When the FDP was originally launched, it was announced it could be used on a voluntary basis. However, under the direction of ministers, NHS England has moved to an ‘FDP-first policy’.
In a letter to NHS England chief data and analytics officer Ming Tang, the Chief Data and Analytical Officers Network (CDAON), questioned whether the FDP is fit for purpose in achieving the move of care into the community. It cites a risk to patient safety and calls for a ‘reset’ of NHS England’s approach.
Over 100 trusts and nearly all ICBs have signed agreements to use the FDP, but CDAON argues that using it remains low and training for analysts has been inadequate.
Unison highlights low staffing rates for nurses
Unison has argued that low nursing staff rates are risking patient safety.
A survey carried out by the union found that nearly 70 per cent of healthcare workers in clinical jobs do not believe that enough staff are present on shift to deliver safer care.
National Nursing Officer at Unison, Stuart Tuckwood, said: "Urgent investment is needed in hospital staffing to ensure patients are kept safe."
Standby system could increase efficiency and reduce waiting lists
A ‘standby patient system’ could be used to fill surgery cancellations, saving the NHS around £400 million a year.
As reported by The Times, a new report from health tech firm Proximie explained that the system would identify patients who could be called up for operations with a few hours' notice, when a cancellation has occurred.
While the increased efficiency would reduce costs, proponents also highlight that it would aid in the fight to tackle lengthy elective care waiting lists.
The approach is already being piloted by some trusts, with surgeons at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust concluding that it "provides a cost-effective solution to optimise theatre utilisation, reduce waiting list times and improve patient care".
AI blood test detecting 12 cancer enters NHS assessment phase
A blood test capable of detecting 12 types of cancer before symptoms appear is entering a key testing phase for potential NHS use.
Health secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the government’s £2.4 million backing for the miONCO-Dx test, which uses AI to analyse microRNA in blood samples, achieving up to 99 per cent accuracy.
Developed with the University of Southampton and biotech firm Xgenera, it could transform early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
The announcement was made at the newly renamed Bowelbabe Laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute, honouring the late Dame Deborah James.
Prime Minister’s Questions
In parliament today, the PM took MP’s questions on a range of issues, including health and social care.
Leader of the Lib Dems, Sir Ed Davey, asked the PM if he would reconsider the delays to the new hospital programme (NHP) and encouraged Labour MPs to vote in favour of the Lib Dem’s Opposition Day Motion for new hospitals. The PM responded that the previous government’s NHP was undeliverable and the Lib Dem’s plans are unfunded.
Pharma chief to chair trust
Jane Bailey will take over as lead non-executive director at South London and Maudsley Foundation Trust (FT) in June, following Sir Norman Lamb’s departure last month. The trust is one of England’s largest providers of specialised mental health care and it serves four London boroughs.
Bailey was commercial vice-president of research and development at GSK, and has since held non-executive roles at King’s College Hospital FT and University Hospitals Southampton FT.
