Health and care sector latest developments

Moran criticises mental health response

Health and Social Care Committee chair Layla Moran has criticised the government’s reply to a report on community mental health services.

Moran said she found the response ‘disappointing’ and that she was ‘baffled’ by the lack of action on key issues like waiting time standards and support expansion.

Drawing on patient experiences, Moran argued that commitments have been weakened, including reduced funding guarantees and limited progress on round-the-clock local care.

Dame Jane Dacre to lead medical training reform

Professor Dame Jane Dacre has been appointed to lead reforms aimed at overhauling the UK’s medical training system, bringing it in line with modern healthcare needs.

Following a major review, key priorities include: increasing flexibility, reducing training barriers, improving team culture, and better integrating service and education.

Working with health organisations, the initiative aims to create a more supportive and effective system that prepares doctors for the future of the NHS.

Chief medical officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty, said that Dame Jane is ‘well placed to guide this important work’, stressing that the review ‘identified many areas where training can be improved’.

Assisted dying could be forced through, despite opposition from Peers

With day 12 of committee stage in the Lords set to get underway later this morning, MPs are saying they could force the assisted dying bill through in the next session of parliament.

While the legislation is expected to run out of time before the next King’s Speech, The Times reports that ‘dozens’ of MPs would be willing to reintroduce the legislation as a Private Members’ Bill.

Supporters argue that the Parliament Acts could then be used to override further opposition from the House of Lords.

NICE to revisit decision on Alzheimer's drugs

NICE will revisit its decision to reject Donanemab and Lecanemab for use on the NHS.

PA Media reports that the manufacturers of the Alzheimer's drugs have successfully appealed the spending watchdog's decision, meaning that the evidence will now be revisited.

Director of medicines evaluation at NICE, Helen Knight, said they are giving ‘stakeholders an opportunity to provide more information’.

Chief executive of Alzheimer's Society, Michelle Dyson, welcomed the decision, emphasising that those ‘living with dementia are desperate for new treatments’.