Latest news with #NHSEnglandNorthWest
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Fewer NHS workers are leaving the health service
NHS staff leaving the health service is at its lowest level in over a decade. Retention schemes in the North West and across the country have helped reduce the number of workers leaving the NHS. In the North West, one in 10 (10 per cent) hospital and community healthcare workers left the NHS in the 12 months up to September 2024. This is nearly 2,046 fewer than in the same period up to September 2022 when just under one in eight (11.8 per cent) left the health service. These figures are similar to those across England – the proportion is the lowest since the pandemic when the leavers rate nationally fell to 9.2 per cent, and the second lowest since 2010 when the rate was at 10 per cent. The fall in the number of leavers has been supported by an initial two-year programme aimed at finding new ways to improve retention in the NHS. A new review published on Monday, March 3, of the NHS's People Promise staff retention initiative found that the number of leavers fell by an average of 11.8 per cent for organisations involved in the pilot – with those using more interventions improving their leaver rates the most. The programme, which has been led by NHS England since April 2022, supported 23 NHS organisations and has since been expanded to support a further 116 organisations – including more mental health and community trusts, as well as primary care and ambulance services. Around 4,500 staff members were supported to stay in the health service thanks to the programme. The report found that efficient use of e-rostering, supporting flexible working and flexible retirement, and local listening sessions for staff had the 'biggest impact' on improvements to leaver rates. Chris Cutts, director of workforce training and education at NHS England North West, said: "We're very proud of the NHS organisations in the North West that have done a huge amount to improve the working environment for staff and we're now seeing the impact – with nearly 2,046 fewer staff leaving the health service in the last year. "It's great to see this initiative reaping in the results to help keep thousands of staff in the workforce. "There's still a lot to be done and we will carry on to ensure people receive the best care possible."
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Doctors urge people to get medical help from these places amid 'sharp rise' in winter illnesses
Doctors are urging people to get help as the cold weather is resulting in a sharp rise in winter illnesses - putting pressure on GPs and hospitals. Flu and Covid cases in hospital are continuing to put pressure on NHS services, say health chiefs. Medical Director of the Bury GP Federation, Dr Kiran Patel, said: 'During the winter months we see a sharp rise in people with respiratory infections and this puts pressure on primary care services like general practice, as well as hospitals." Patients struggling with winter illnesses that affect their breathing can get faster, specialised medical help from acute respiratory hubs in the north west that can help prevent them needing a hospital admission, say doctors. The region has 19 acute respiratory infections (ARI) hubs, which operate in a wide range of health service locations, from general practices and health centres to hospital urgent treatment centres. READ MORE: Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver reveals 'absolute glam' of soap with co-star after heartbreaking news READ MORE: Boots shoppers say they get 'stopped in the street' over 'stunning' £52 perfume The hubs help people get treatment to manage their symptoms early, preventing them from becoming more seriously unwell, says the NHS. NHS England North West Medical Director for Primary Care, Dr Paula Cowan, said: 'In the north west, acute respiratory hubs are working to help and actively manage people with respiratory illnesses. This is a proactive way to meet the seasonal demand for respiratory care. 'We're focusing on keeping people well at home where possible, so they do not need to go to hospital, and ensuring they get the care they need most. 'The idea is that by offering specialist treatment closer to home, the outcome for patients improves and the strain on hospitals also decreases at a time when our hospitals are seeing lots of people coming through the doors.' Acute respiratory hubs are staffed by multidisciplinary teams, including GPs or advanced nurse practitioners, and are usually well connected with respiratory teams in hospitals for immediate advice. People are usually referred by their GP practice, and sometimes via NHS 111 or A&Es. Clinical Lead for Respiratory Medicine in Greater Manchester, and local GP, Dr Murugesan Raja, said: 'These have been running over the last few years. The service offers same day urgent face to face appointments for adults and children with a respiratory illness with or without a pre-existing chronic illness. 'The majority of the patients were treated within general practice with only a very small percentage requiring further treatment in hospital, therefore reducing the overall demand on the urgent care system at one of its most pressured times.' For people who do not need the help of an acute respiratory hub, there are many things you can do to help manage symptoms of winter viruses at home, urge doctors. Dr Cowan said: 'With winter viruses still circulating, it's a good idea for people to stock their medicine cabinets with home remedies for coughs, colds, flu and upset stomachs – and seek health advice early if they become unwell to avoid becoming more seriously ill.' 'Winter is always a challenging time for the NHS, but together, we can make a difference. Please think carefully about where to go for help and leave A&E for those who really need it. 'While most minor illnesses can be managed at home, it is important to know when to seek help. When feeling worse it is important to get help sooner before it leads to serious illness. 'If you're worried about your symptoms or those of a loved one, use NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 for advice. In an emergency, always call 999 or visit your nearest A&E department.' NHS 111 is also available 24/7 and can guide you to the right service for your needs, including arranging out-of-hours GP appointments if necessary. The NHS website provides an A-Z guide for managing most conditions at For children's symptoms, Alder Hey Children's Hospital NHS Trust has developed an online symptom checker for children.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Hospitals hit by superbug 'storm' as health chiefs urge ill people to isolate for 48 hours
Hospitals in the north west have been hit by a 'storm of norovirus infections', the NHS says, as the number of beds taken up by patients with the virus across England reached a record high last week. In the north west, an average of 72 patients a day were in hospital with norovirus over the last two weeks. More than double the same period last year (31). Across the country, an average 1,160 patients a day were in hospital with the virus last week – a 22% surge on the previous week (948) and more than double the same period last year (509). READ MORE: "I trusted him": Top dance coach, 63, branded 'monster' by partner he strangled and suffocated in hotel READ MORE: 'I was at a routine appointment, then my doctor saw something sinister' NHS England North West's Regional Medical Director, Dr Michael Gregory said: 'Cases of norovirus are still high and continue to rise nationally. It is half term and we're hoping this will provide a break. However, it's important we all take steps to avoid passing on the infections. "The bug remains high in settings like hospitals and care homes, and can be more severe in older adults, younger children and those who are immunocompromised. 'Please do not visit hospitals and care homes or return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don't prepare food for others as you can still pass on the virus. 'NHS 111 is an excellent option for healthcare support and advice on non-emergency health problems. It can direct you to the most appropriate local treatment, whether that's your GP, a pharmacy, a callback from a nurse, or an urgent walk-in treatment centre. However, in an emergency, such as when someone is seriously ill or injured, people should still call 999 or visit A&E.' Dr Gregory also emphasised the importance of handwashing and other simple ways to prevent the spread of norovirus – commonly called winter vomiting bug. 'I'd like to remind everyone to practise good hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet, cleaning up after illness, or before preparing food,' he added. Norovirus symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea, usually resolve within two to three days, but the virus can pose a greater risk to vulnerable groups, such as young children and older adults. The latest national NHS England data shows flu cases in hospital have continued to fall but are still putting pressure on front-line services, with an average 1,755 patients with flu in beds last week, including 87 in critical care, down 14% on the week before (2,039). There were 22 children on average in hospital with RSV each day, up 83% from 12 the week before and 144% higher than nine last year. The number of patients with Covid rose slightly on the week before, up 3% from 952 to 984. Pressure on hospital capacity remained high last week with 95.4% of adult beds occupied, and a total of 97,152 patients in hospital each day. Delays discharging patients to settings like social or community care continued to have an impact on capacity, with almost 1 in 7 beds (13,767) taken up by patients who did not need to be there. Emergency services are continuing to respond to high levels of demand with 94,356 ambulance handovers, but thanks to the hard work of staff time lost to ambulance handover delays was down a fifth on the same period last year (18,688 hours vs 23,494.) NHS staff have faced one of the most challenging winters it has ever had with huge demand, high numbers of people in hospitaland pressure from winter viruses. Health professionals at NHS England North West are calling on the public to visit the webpage on norovirus for useful information, including symptoms, how to treat it, and how to stop it spreading.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'It took over 40 mins to bring me back to life from a condition I had no idea existed'
It took more than 40 minutes to bring a dad-of-two back to life after he collapsed due to a condition he had 'no idea' about - but could have been identified by a little-known, 10-minute scan. Ian Bythell, from Pendle, felt unwell and collapsed at home in October 20204. He was blue-lighted to the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, where he was immediately admitted to the resuscitation ward. A fast scan revealed a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, but before Ian could get to theatre for emergency surgery he went into cardiac arrest. It took medics more than 40 minutes of chest compressions to resuscitate him. READ MORE: 'Stolen' Range Rover ploughs into dental practice with 'patient in waiting room and dentists working away' READ MORE: Woman's panicked messages revealed as soon as she knew Manchester Airport plot was failing He then endured a further eight hours in surgery to repair damage to his aorta. Ian says he had 'no idea' what an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was before he almost died. Now, he's determined to raise awareness of the screening programme that could save the lives of thousands of men. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. If the AAA ruptures, it can be deadly, and sadly around 82 per cent of people with an untreated AAA will die from it. The NHS offers a 10-minute, pain free scan of the tummy for all men in the year they turn 65, that can detect any swelling early, reduce the chances of rupture, and save lives. Yet, in the year to April 2024, almost a quarter (21.1 per cent) of men in the north west did not come forward for screening within the year they were invited. Tricia Spedding, Head of Public Health for NHS England North West, said: 'Of all the screening programmes the NHS offers, AAA screening is the least well known, and yet the risk of an undetected and untreated AAA is one of the most deadly. 'We hope this brand-new campaign raises awareness of AAA screening across the North West, not just with men aged 65-and-over, but also with younger men who will eventually be called for screening, and with friends and family, who can support their loved ones to come forward for their AAA check. 'The scan is completely painless, and if there is no aneurysm detected, you don't need to have any more scans and if we do detect an aneurysm, it can be treated early and monitored. Don't ignore your invite, your free 10-minute scan could save your life.' After his surgery, Ian's wife Deb, and their two daughters Liv and Freya were able to go and sit with him following the surgery, but Ian was heavily sedated and on a ventilator. The following day Ian had come around, and his voice was strained from the ventilator. But, miraculously, he was making hand movements to ask clinicians if he was able to walk and ski. Almost six-weeks later, on 10 December, and just in time for Christmas, Ian was fit for discharge and allowed home. He said: 'Every bit of my care has been absolutely phenomenal, and as a family we can't thank everyone enough. 'I had no idea before this happened to me what AAA was, and I hope this campaign makes more people aware of the dangers and the importance of the screening programme.' Doctors couldn't tell what had caused the ruptured AAA, but see no reason why Ian, who was fit and active, a keen badminton and cricket player, can't get back to his old self. AAA screening is recommended for anyone born male, as they are more likely to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The AAA screening test usually takes place in a GP practice or a health centre, but sometimes can be in hospital, and all men registered with a GP will be invited for screening in their 65th year. It is estimated AAA rupture occurs in about 1 in 10,000 people annually, primarily affecting men over 65-years-old with risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, and a family history of aneurysms. The NHS in the north west has launched a brand new campaign to raise awareness of the lifesaving AAA screening programme. The NHS says 'don't ignore your invite, your free 10-minute scan could save your life'. If the NHS has invited you for your AAA screening but missed your appointment, you can still contact your GP practice to arrange one. Find out more here: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening - NHS.
