CQC publishes first full analysis of performance and risk in health and social care

The Care Quality Commission has published a comprehensive ‘snapshot’ of the performance of health and social care providers in England, based on unannounced inspections of over 14,000 locations. The key problems are: management of medicines; staffing; and record keeping.

Complex regional pain syndrome in adults: UK guidelines for diagnosis, referral and management in primary and secondary care

This guideline from the Royal College of Physicians concerns the diagnosis and management of patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). It provides recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and referral in a variety of clinical settings.

NHS Safety Thermometer Guidance

The NHS Safety Thermometer is a local improvement tool for measuring, monitoring and analysing patient harms and ‘harm free’ care. This guidance supports the implementation of the NHS Safety Thermometer and achieving the 2012/13 CQUIN, shares learning about the best ways to use the tool and offers technical support in validating data.

Atlases of variation for kidney disease and diabetes

Right Care has published these atlases to identify and quantify the extent of ‘unwarranted’ variation that may be due to unjustified geographical differences in medical practice and/or patients not gaining access to the appropriate level of intervention for their need.

Upper GI bleeding guidance published

NICE has published new recommendations on the management of acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding including offering endoscopy to unstable patients with severe acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding immediately after resuscitation.

Venous thromboembolic diseases guidance published

In this new guidance, NICE recommends that people who present to hospital with blood clots in the legs or lungs should be offered treatment within 4 hours and have their investigative tests including scans within 24 hours.

Campaign launched to improve inpatient hydration

The Hydration Matters campaign, developed by NHS Kidney Care has been launched in hospitals and nursing homes to encourage healthcare staff to better monitor and manage inpatients’ fluid status.

National Head and Neck Cancer Audit 2011

Results from the 2011 Head and Neck Cancer Audit suggest that head and neck cancer patients are receiving variable levels of support and treatment choice across England and Wales. Some cancer networks are unable to show evidence of patients receiving important aspects of care.