Nursing Times
August 2012

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#NurChat - A year of #NurChatting...

Did you miss the latest #NurChat on Twitter? We celebrated our 1st birthday - an entire year of wonderful debates and discussion…
#NurChat - Continence care

Did you miss the latest #NurChat discussing continence care? Let us sum it up for you…
#NurChat - Pain management

Did you miss the latest #NurChat discussing pain management? Let us sum it up for you…
#NURSESHIFT: is nursing still a respected profession?

On 28 July 2012, nurses from around the country came together to discuss the topic: is nursing still a respected profession?
#WeNurses - A 'can do' approach to making every contact count

Did you miss the latest #WeNurses chat discussing making every contact count? Let us sum it up for you…
#WeNurses - Patients' stories can improve nursing

Did you miss the latest #WeNurses chat discussing how patient stories can improve nursing? Let us sum it up for you…
£24m contract offered for family nurse expansion

The government is seeking an “external partner” to help deliver the expansion of the Family Nurse Partnership programme.
25% of Scottish intensive care admissions alcohol related

Alcohol problems account for a quarter of Scottish intensive care unit admissions, according to a study published online in the journal Anaesthesia.
A&E 12-hour wait numbers double in Scotland

The number of patients waiting more than 12 hours to be seen at Scottish accident and emergency departments has more than doubled in three years, new figures show.
Acupuncture has 'hidden dangers'

Hundreds of NHS patients undergoing acupuncture have suffered complications including dizziness, collapsed lungs and even needles being left in their bodies, the Daily Mail warned.
Alert over early signs of debilitating condition

Parents and healthcare professionals need to have better awareness about a debilitating condition which could leave children unable to walk properly, a midwife has warned after noticing an increased number of misdiagnosed cases of hip dysplasia.
Altered sleep patterns 'early sign' of Alzheimer’s

“Bad sleep may predict Alzheimer’s,” the BBC has reported, saying that “problems sleeping may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s if a study in mice also applies to people”.
Andrew Lansley orders NMC to look again at proposed fee rise

Health secretary Andrew Lansley has ordered the Nursing and Midwifery Council to “explore all possible options to avoid” the proposed 58% fee increase and commission an independent audit of the proposals.
Are we becoming nation of ‘happy pill poppers?'

The UK is in the grip of a ‘happy pill boom’ according to the Daily Mail, with ‘almost 50 million’ antidepressants prescribed in 2011.
Baby talk: survey claims third of infant health websites are 'wrong'

“Be careful what you Google for: Parents warned half of baby health advice online is wrong,” is the startling headline in the Daily Mail.
'Be clear about your motivation for the profession'

We talk to Karen Jordan, senior nurse practitioner, substance misuse and wellbeing, at Spectrum Community Health CIC, who has been a nurse for 35 years.
'Be proud to be a nurse in the health service'

Over a week has passed since the Olympic opening ceremony in which 600 nurses and other healthcare staff stole the limelight as the world became their audience.
Bidders shortlisted for community nursing contract

Just two bidders have been shortlisted in the competition to run the services currently provided by Central Surrey Health, the first social enterprise to come out of the NHS.
Brain haemorrhage risk 'increased by smoking'

Smoking more than 20 cigarettes a day almost triples the chances of suffering a potentially fatal brain haemorrhage, research has shown.
'Breastfeeding is something women need easy access to information about'

Clare Whitehead and a small team at the Wirral Community Trust recently released a breastfeeding app for young mothers.
Call The Midwife star backs recruitment campaign

Call The Midwife star Jessica Raine has joined a campaign calling for more midwives in England.
Can cleaning teeth help prevent dementia?

“Women who look after their teeth and gums ‘have lower risk of dementia’”, the Daily Mail says.
Can dark chocolate help control blood pressure?

“Chocolate … could reduce blood pressure,” BBC News reports.
Cancer cell insight may 'revolutionise treatment'

“Cancer cell discovery could revolutionise treatment,” said The Independent.
Catheter infection control dressing 'popular' in critical care

An antiseptic dressing designed to reduce infection risk from central venous catheters is more popular in intensive care than outpatients, an analysis for the Department of Health has found.
Cereal bars don't deserve 'healthy image'

Cereal bars can be high in sugar and fat.
Chemo 'can fuel cancer growth'

Chemotherapy can backfire by helping healthy body cells to fuel treatment-resistant cancer and growth, research has shown.
Daily aspirin use 'cuts cancer deaths'

“Daily dose of aspirin cuts cancer risk,” The Daily Telegraph says.
Degree nurses 'not too posh to wash', says Willis Commission

The move to degree-only entry to nursing is unlikely to affects nurses’ “ability or desire to care with compassion”, according to interim findings from an expert group set up by the Royal College of Nursing.
Director of nursing warns NHS to 'keep pace' with health visitor target

The government’s director of nursing for public health has told managers to ensure posts are being created for newly qualified health visitors.
DVT treatment alternative approved for use

An oral drug alternative to warfarin has been approved for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis in the NHS.
Eating egg yolks as 'bad as smoking'

“Eating egg yolks is as bad as smoking in speeding up coronary heart disease” the Daily Mail says, reporting that egg yolks contribute to the clogging up of arteries which, in turn, can increase the risk of heart disease.
Echinacea allergy warning for children under 12

‘Echinacea remedy is not for children under 12’, BBC News reports, while the Daily Mail tells us that echinacea can ‘trigger allergies’ in kids.
Elderly cancer rate 'to rise three-fold'

The coming three decades could see the number of older cancer patients increase three-fold, according to new research.
'Fainting runs in families'

“Feeling faint? Blame your parents” advises the Daily Mail. The Mail went on to say that scientists have discovered that people who faint “could be genetically pre-disposed to swooning”.
First HCAs to be elected to RCN council

Voting is now open for the election of the first two “health practitioners” to serve on the Royal College of Nursing’s council.
Flu can spread before symptoms show

“Flu can be spread long before symptoms appear,” according to the Daily Mail.
Frozen IVF embryos leads to 'healthier babies'

“IVF embryos that were frozen may result in healthier babies,” reports The Guardian.
Future medics 'not taught about exercise pros'

Medical students are “not taught activity benefits” BBC News has reported, based on a survey checking how many UK medical schools provided their students with information on the health benefits of physical activity.
Gastrostomy tube guide published

A good practice guide for nurses has been published on the changing of balloon gastrostomy tubes into the stomach for adults and children.
Gender link to allergy risk

Doctors have discovered a child’s risk of developing an allergic disease is doubled if a parent of the same sex has suffered from it, new research has claimed.
Grapefruit juice 'boosts cancer drugs' claim

“Drinking grapefruit juice can dramatically boost the effectiveness of cancer drugs,” the Daily Express today reported.
Healthy living 'benefits over-75s'

Living a healthy lifestyle into old age can extend your life by up to six years, research has shown.
Heart issues 'could easily be treated' if identified

A quarter of patients in their late 80s have undiagnosed heart problems that could easily be treated, according to a UK study.
Hike in A&E trolley waits driven by 'perfect storm' of nurse cuts and bed shortages

Financial pressure and a lack of nurses is leading to increasing overcrowding in accident and emergency departments, it has been claimed.
Hospital drug alerts system would catch ‘nurse killer’

A specialised drug prescribing system could help prevent a repetition of patient murders, such as those by nurse Colin Norris, researchers claim.
How to make a visible difference to culture

In part 2 of our two-part series on James Paget’s culture change, a matron gives her perspective.
How to restore pride in nursing

Mentor your staff through change to deliver sustainable turnarounds, says Tina Cookson
Humans have 'super spidey sense' for danger claim

BBC News informs us that “Researchers find fear link to Spider-Man”, while the Daily Express breathlessly informs us “just as Spider-Man’s instincts gave him the edge over his arch enemy the Green Goblin…researchers have now found we all have ‘spidey sense’ like the web-slinging superhero”.
Immune system link to type-2 diabetes

A type of immune system cell plays a key role in the development of type-2 diabetes, research suggests.
Interim nursing director appointed at Yeovil hospital

An acute trust in Somerset has appointed one of its senior critical care nurses as interim director of nursing, it has been announced.
'Investigate nursing history, learn why it is as it is and join other nurses to improve things for yourself'

We talk to Chris Hart, consultant nurse in forensic psychiatry at South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust and principal lecturer at Kingston University and St George’s University, London, who qualified in 1978.
'It is okay to ask questions and it’s normal to not know'

“I don’t know” is a simple and effective phrase, but one many of us find difficult to say.
Lipstick chemical 'may damage muscles'

“Antibacterial soap may hinder muscle function,” reports The Daily Telegraph.
'Male pill hope' after mice research

‘Male contraceptive pill step closer after mice studies’ explains BBC News.
Measles cases double in England and Wales

The number of confirmed cases of measles in the first half of the year was almost double the number seen during the equivalent period in 2011, new figures show.
Mediterranean diet link to stronger bones

“Just two years of eating like the Spanish and Italians who use olive oil rather than less healthy fats may preserve or even build bone in older people,” the Daily Mail reports.
Meningitis effects harming children

A third of children who survive meningitis will be left with “devastating” long-term conditions, new research suggests.
More male and mixed-race health visitors wanted

The Department of Health says it is seeking to attract more men and people from mixed ethnic backgrounds into health visiting, as part of the national recruitment drive.
Music on earphones causes deafness

Loud music played on earphones causes deafness in patients by having a similar effect on nerves as multiple sclerosis (MS), scientists have learned.
My time nursing in Ghana...

At the end of my second year of nurse training I had four weeks off.
Neglect contributed to death of patient at community hospital

A patient who choked to death at a hospital run by Somerset Partnership Foundation Trust had been neglected by staff, a coroner has ruled.
New director of nursing for Ipswich Hospital

Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust has appointed a new director of nursing and quality.
New edition of children's BNF published

An updated edition of British National Formulary for Children has been published.
New NICE guidelines on schizophrenia and psychosis in children

New clinical guidelines for recognising and managing schizophrenia and psychosis in children and young people have been published by NICE.
New review to look at nurse retirement plans

Frontline NHS nurses could in future be allowed to retire earlier with trusts paying higher pension contributions to cover the cost, Nursing Times has learnt.
New rules to tackle drugs lottery

Hospitals that delay acting on guidance from the health watchdog will be forced to explain hold-ups to patients, it has been announced.
Next phase of NHS reforms will see PCTs shed 800 jobs

Up to 800 senior nurses and other primary care trust staff are likely to lose their jobs in the West Midlands and Greater Manchester, heralding the start of a final round of job cuts in the transition to the new NHS structure.
NHS staff protest over pay threat

NHS staff opposed to the introduction of regional pay and conditions have taken their campaign to the streets to garner further public support.
NHS: Kidney care needs to improve

An NHS report has claimed that better detection rates and earlier diagnosis could improve standards for patients suffering with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
NICE approves denosumab for bone cancer

Thousands of cancer patients whose disease has spread to the bone are to benefit from a new drug which is to be made available on the NHS.
NICE approves SonoVue for liver cancer diagnosis

NICE has recommended using SonoVue with ultrasound as a means of diagnosing liver cancer.
NICE stroke drug guidance updated

NICE has issued draft guidance on an acute ischaemic stroke treatment, updating the institute’s previous recommendations.
NMC claims fee hike business case is 'sound'

The Nursing and Midwifery Council has insisted the business case for its proposed fee hike is “sound”, following news that the health secretary has told it to carry out an independent audit of the plans.
No loop excision link to premature birth

Women who undergo a common treatment of the cervix are not likely to have a premature baby later in life, scientists have said.
Northumbria invests £700k in elderly care nurses

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has announced it will recruit 30 registered nurses to work with elderly patients in hospitals and the community.
Nurse-led helpline launched by cancer charity

Newly diagnosed cancer patients in Wales are to benefit from a service that will see them get advice and support from experienced nurses.
Nurses pioneer 'dignity' pyjamas

Two enterprising nurses from the West Midlands have helped come up with a new design for hospital pyjamas that help preserve patients’ modesty and reduce discomfort.
Nurses praised as patients' cancer treatment experience improves

Nurses have been praised for their role in improving cancer care after 88% of patients rated their overall care as excellent or very good.
Nurses to join Clegg at Paralympic ceremony

Four nurses and three teachers will join deputy prime minister Nick Clegg at tonight’s Paralympic Games opening ceremony.
Nurses urged to give views on needlestick rules

The introduction of rules intended to protect UK nurses and other health professionals from sharps injuries moved a step closer this week.
'Nursing is a bit like the Olympics - it gives us something special'

Well I’m still basking in the afterglow of the Olympics.
Nursing posts under threat at Hinchingbrooke

Nearly 50 nursing posts could be axed at a trust taken over by the private sector earlier this year, Nursing Times has learnt.
Nursing Times launches new respiratory failure online learning unit

Nurses encounter patients with respiratory failure in all settings.
One in 10 NHS appointments missed

One in 10 health appointments were missed last year, costing the NHS millions of pounds and delaying treatment for other patients, figures suggest.
'Oral sex helps women fight depression' claim

“Oral sex is good for women’s health and helps fight depression”, was the Daily Mail’s lurid headline today, while The Sun opted for a more straightforward “Semen is good for you”.
Patients lodge 3,000 complaints a week

Patients lodged 3,000 complaints about their experience of the NHS every week in the past year, figures suggest.
Proposed deadline for FtP responses is 'unfair', claim unions

Plans to give nurses and midwives less than a month to respond to fitness to practise allegations have been branded as unfair by unions.
Pupils reminded about school nurse services

With children heading back to school in September, those starting secondary education are being encouraged to get to know their school nurse so they know where to go for help and advice.
Recession linked to rise in suicides

“Recession and rising unemployment may have led to more than 1,000 suicides in England,” The Independent has reported.
'Ride the Olympic wave and boost public health'

The nation has been enchanted by people running as fast as they can, throwing another person around on a judo mat, and jumping from a great height and landing gracefully in a pool 10m below. Athleticism, fitness, finesse, determination and hard work have been demonstrated as desirable skills.
Sharon Osborne publicises bowel cancer symptoms

Sharon Osborne is supporting a bowel cancer awareness campaign to encourage people to see their doctor if they see blood in their faeces.
Skin cancer signs 'not recognised'

People are putting themselves and their children at risk of skin cancer as research suggests that many are unable to recognise symptoms and are unaware of the dangers of sun exposure.
Smoking-related illnesses fill one in 20 hospital beds

One in every 20 hospital beds are occupied by someone with a smoking-related illness, figures suggest.
Spray-on leg ulcer treatment unveiled

A “spray-on skin” developed by scientists could greatly improve recovery from chronic leg ulcers, trial results suggest.
Stressed men 'crave curvier women'

”Stressed men prefer larger women,” The Daily Telegraph reported.
Stroke more damaging to women's life quality than men's

Having a stroke or transient ischemic attack has a much more profound effect on the quality of life of women than men, according to nurse researchers at Danderyd Hospital in Stockholm.
Study finds benefits of taking statins outweigh diabetes risk

The risk of developing diabetes is outweighed by the benefits patients can experience by taking statins, a new study has revealed.
Study links mild mental illness and early death

Sufferers of mild mental illnesses have an increased risk of dying earlier, according to research published in the British Medical Journal.
Sussex trust fights back over reconfig plan criticism

A Sussex acute and community trust has fought back following criticism of its reconfiguration plans from its own consultants and two local campaign groups backed by the media.
Tackles on the rugby pitch 'increase dementia risk' claims

Playing rugby could increase the chance of dementia if players receive repeated knocks to the head, The Daily Telegraph has reported.
Test 'cuts prostate cancer deaths'

A blood test for prostate cancer may have significantly improved the survival prospects of patients diagnosed with advanced disease, research has shown.
Third of youngsters 'at risk from sun'

A third of young people are putting themselves at risk by not taking care in the sun, a charity has said.
Trust chair sparks food review after criticising ham sandwich

A Midlands hospital trust has launched a review of its chilled food after its chair told a public meeting the hospital’s ham sandwich “was the worst he had ever tasted”.
Trust wins treatment intervention ruling

A health trust has won a court ruling that medical staff do not have to forcibly give a seriously ill man the life-prolonging treatment he is resisting.
Views still sought for HCA code and training standards

Nurses and healthcare assistants are being urged to take part in a consultation on the future development of a code of conduct and training standards for healthcare support workers.
'We've shown the rest of the world that we deliver fantastic healthcare in this country'

Pam Venning was in charge of medical services for both athletes and spectators at the Olympic Games.
Worried to death? Distress linked to early death

Those with an anxious disposition may want to look away now, as The Daily Telegraph is reporting that ‘even low levels of stress or anxiety can increase the risk of fatal heart attacks or stroke by up to a fifth’.
Wound healing device set for clinical trial

A chronic wound healing device is to undergo a clinical trial following a recommendations made by NICE last year.
'Yo-yo' diets 'not a no-no'

“Yo-yo dieting is NOT bad for you and won’t stop you losing weight in the long run,” the Daily Mail informs us.

Nursing TimesAugust 2012

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Nursing Times
August 2012