Two posts in one day! Ah, those were the days when we got two Post Office deliveries a day.... Just to say the Government has published the full terms of reference for its Innovative Medicines and MedTech Review to be headed up by Sir Hugh Taylor who is currently Chair of Guy's and St Thomas's. Yes, that's … Continue reading Government pushes forward with review to speed up availability of innovative medicines and treatments
Secretary of State for Health
Charities should be often seen and loudly heard.
Respected Times columnist, Libby Purves, took aim last week at the campaigning work of charities (see article (pay-wall)). As did Chris Snowdon, a fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), who wrote this piece in CITYA.M. Both appear to share a romanticised view of charity in which charities would be better 'seen and not heard.' And through a soft-focus lens at … Continue reading Charities should be often seen and loudly heard.
Wither research into the needs of older people [sic] ???
First off, an anecdote inspired by the Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt MP's, announcement to mark the 65th anniversary of the NHS, that all older people will have a named clinician responsible for their care. This is absolutely good news. But it's the view down the narrow end of the telescope. I wonder how things might … Continue reading Wither research into the needs of older people [sic] ???
In the Hunt for a health Ofsted
The Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, spoke at the King's Fund annual conference today. By all accounts it was impassioned and well-received. There then followed what sounded like a lively panel discussion about patient experience (see their twitter feed). Hunt's announcement of a review into the idea of establishing an 'Ofsted' rating system for hospitals … Continue reading In the Hunt for a health Ofsted
Cancer patient experience survey results show variations in access to clinical trials and research
The results of the annual cancer patient experience survey are out today. For those of us committed to improving patient access to clinical trials and other research, this year's report is particularly interesting. As far as I know, this is the first year that the survey asked patients whether taking part in research had been discussed … Continue reading Cancer patient experience survey results show variations in access to clinical trials and research
Entitled to a title? Should we better recognise members of the public and patients involved in research?
Various reports today about the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley MP's, statement in response to a question today in the Commons that he is working to introduce an 'effective compliance regime' to ensure local NHS organisations implement NICE recommendations. Those with children will no doubt empathise. I'm not sure that as a statement … Continue reading Entitled to a title? Should we better recognise members of the public and patients involved in research?
From I Claudius to iLansley…phone apps in the new NHS
The summer break has clearly done the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, a world of good. From beating a lone path as the libertarian Claudius in the face of a centralised health service, he has resurfaced this week as the man for all seasons to launch a competition for the best ideas for … Continue reading From I Claudius to iLansley…phone apps in the new NHS
Simon Denegri's Lay Review 