Act now to reduce impact of staffing crisisDepartment of Health
Department of Health news and analysis for nurses
Department of Health coverage
Regulator to review walk-in centre closures
Health officials are to launch a review into the closures of NHS walk-in centres.
Framework for improving sexual health outcomes
Sexual health is a key population health issue. The Department of Health has issued a new framework for England, which sets out the evidence base for sexual health services
David Foster: 'Nurses and midwives should suggest colleagues for honours'
There is a great deal of satisfaction to be gained from seeing your nominee listed in the Queen’s new year and birthday honours, says David Foster
Effect of telehealth on acute and emergency care
Telehealth can exploit modern technology to allow patients to manage their conditions at home, reducing the need for primary care and hospital visits
CQC calls for Cumberland Infirmary to improve patient care
An NHS hospital which is being investigated by health officials for having higher than expected mortality rates is falling short on three national standards for care, the health regulator said.
Any Qualified Provider: facilitating patient choice
Any Qualified Provider allows patients to choose the service or treatment they feel best suits their needs; an AQP pack was developed to aid implementation of the process
Nurses free to speak out on concerns, despite 'gag' clauses, says DH
The government has asked the Nursing and Midwifery Council to alert all registered nurses that they are free to speak out over concerns.
PM should be responsible for care standards, says new patient safety tsar
The health expert appointed to improve patient safety following the Stafford Hospital scandal has said that prime minister David Cameron should be responsible for care standards.
After Francis: the government response
The government’s response to the Francis report contained a number of undertakings that will have a major impact on nursing
Health secretary does stint in hospital A&E
The health secretary worked in Watford General Hospital’s accident and emergency department last Thursday as part of plans to give Department of Health ministers and officials frontline experience.
RCN congress will not be addressed by minister
There will no keynote speech by a minister at this year’s Royal College of Nursing annual congress, it has been confirmed to Nursing Times.
Minimum training standards for HCAs
The government will be introducing training standards for healthcare assistants that focus on 10 key areas of knowledge
DH backs 'clearer distinction' between RCN functions
The government has suggested that a “clearer distinction” between the professional and trade union functions of the Royal College of Nursing would boost its authority.
Unions criticise NHS staff 1% pay rise
A pay rise of just 1% for NHS staff will leave nurses “struggling”, unions claim.
'Mobile working' should be reality for community nurses, says DH report
Providing community nurses with laptops can significantly increase the number of patients seen and time spent with them, according to findings from a major national project.
DH hands hospices £60m funding boost
Hospices across England providing end of life care for children and adults have been given a share of £60m government funding to improve care environments and settings.
A&E target missed every week for six months, says Labour
The NHS has missed its national accident and emergency target every week for six months, Labour has warned.
Civil servants must have 'frontline experience'
All Department of Health ministers and civil servants will in future have to have “real and extensive frontline experience of caring for patients”, according to the government response to the Francis report.
Sign petition and support our Speak Out Safely campaign
Nursing Times is petitioning the Department of Health to improve protection for nurses that blow the whistle over patient safety concerns, as part of our new Speak Out Safely campaign.
HCAs could be policed with 'blacklist'
The government is considering setting up a “black list” of care home workers to improve public protection in a scheme that Nursing Times understands could be extended to healthcare assistants.
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Discover a new career as a health visitor
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NHS faces 'zero-tolerance' on MRSA and long waits
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Routine NHS services should be available seven days a week
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Pregnant women 'over share' clinical info on web
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National nursing strategy: action areas
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Nursing directors told to become social media 'role models'
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Nursing strategy responds to staffing concerns
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New nursing strategy calls for transparency on staffing levels
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More than half of NHS Direct nurses could be made redundant
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QNI appoints new chair
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Nursing needs new 'narrative' to rebuild public confidence
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"Be bold and take action to improve the care we provide"
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Hospital admissions 'on the rise'
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DH has 'sufficient funding' for small pay rise for NHS staff
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External auditors have reviewed NMC fee rise
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District nurses must have 'business acumen' to secure resources
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Will new DH standards for hospital food improve patient nutrition?
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Community nurses 'delighted' to be staying in NHS
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Government offers NMC £20m to reduce fee hike
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Employers to argue for third year of pay freeze
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Chancellor to consider report on regional pay
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Former CNO to support trusts through FT pipeline
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Workforce stats suggest another drop in nurse numbers
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Government faces challenge over rules on CCG nurses
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Should 'three-parent IVF' be allowed?
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Nurse leaders call for views on their 'vision' for nursing
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Jeremy Hunt not reviewing NHS reconfiguration plans
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Joint campaign to raise dementia awareness
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Mid Staffs inquiry report delayed until January
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'Dr Dan' handed government nursing brief
