Issue 38 – June 2011

CQC publish first of detailed reports into dignity and nutrition for older people
The Care Quality Commission has published the first 12 reports from an inspection programme which examines whether people are being treated with dignity and respect in 100 NHS hospitals throughout England. Whilst the reports document many examples of people being treated with respect and given personalised, attentive care, some tell a bleak story of people not being helped to eat and drink and their dignity not respected.

Action required: To be read by all managers.

Neurology services not meeting patients’ needs
A new report from the Royal College of Physicians and the Association of British Neurologists says that overall, services for patients with neurological conditions are poorly organised, and do not meet patients’ needs.

Action required: To be read by neurologists and service delivery managers.

Many hospitals not reaching national standards for treating inflammatory bowel disease despite improvements in services
This report on the 3rd round UK IBD audit has shown sustained improvement in many aspects of patient , but also says that services patients aged 16 or below are suboptimal, and that education and training opportunities for IBD nurses appear to be at pitiful levels.

Action required: To be read by gastroenterologists and service delivery managers.

National audit of falls and bone health in older people report - 2011
The audit from the Royal College of Physicians says older patients with fractures do not routinely receive key aspects of care for falls prevention or bone health, needlessly exposing them to a greater risk of further falls and fractures.

Action required: To be read by care of the elderly clinicians and managers.

Stroke care still improving but concerns remain
The final report of the National Sentinel Stroke Audit shows that care for patients with stroke is still improving. It also states that patients on stroke units have better outcomes than those admitted to and treated on general ward, but also that they are not receiving enough face to face therapy.

Action required: To be read by stroke clinicians and managers.

Early diagnosis and planned operations vital for bowel cancer patients, says RCS
The report of the latest national bowel cancer audit shows improvements in prospects for patients , but that emergency surgical patients face a three fold increased chance of death versus elective operations. The Royal College of Surgeons says this means that early diagnosis and planned operations are vital for bowel cancer patients.

Action required: To be read by oncologists and cancer service delivery managers.

This bulletin is brought to you by Library and Knowledge Services. It aims to keep you up-to-date with infection control issues. At the beginning of each month, a librarian will update the bulletin with relevant information published in the preceding month. If there are areas you think we also need to cover, please let us know.