Wide variation in valproate prescribing in women
USE of valproate medicines in female patients continues to slowly decline but there is wide variation in prescribing between Clinical Commissioning Groups, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
NHS staff struggle with volume of safety guidance
A REPORT looking at 'never events' in 18 hospital trusts in England found that staff struggle to cope with large volumes of safety guidance, with little time and space to implement guidance effectively.
Desktop guide to medicinal cannabis
Practical advice on the availability and use of medicinal cannabis has been published by the RCGP.
Subject access requests rise under GDPR
SUBJECT access requests to GP practices have increased by more than 30 per cent since the introduction of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) legislation, according to a survey by the BMA.
CPD deadline approaching for 6,000 dentists
NEARLY 6,000 dentists are due to complete their five-year CPD cycle and must submit an end-of-cycle statement to the GDC no later than 28 January 2019 – but those wishing to apply for a "grace period" must do so by 31 December.
NHS fax machine ban
FAX machines are to be banned from the NHS in England in a bid to move to more secure hi-tech systems.
Emergency dental treatment over festive period
THE GDC is reminding dentists to ensure patients are made aware of arrangements for emergency dental care over the festive period.
GMC calls for action on impending workforce crisis
A SURVEY by the GMC has revealed that 21 per cent of 45 to 54-year-old doctors and two-thirds of 55–64 year olds intend to take early retirement by 2021, presaging a workforce crisis that could be compounded by Brexit.
Missed opportunity on indemnity reform
PROPOSED government reform in the regulation of legal indemnity for doctors and dentists not in state-backed schemes will only add to cost and restrict choice, according to MDDUS.
GDC outlines changes to setting fees
A NEW approach to setting fees has been unveiled by the General Dental Council in a bid to move to a fairer, more transparent system.