NHS England launches standardised whistleblowing policy
A NEW standardised national whistleblowing policy has been launched by NHS Improvement in England with a pledge to support staff who raise concerns about the safety or quality of patient care no matter where they work in the NHS.
GMC issues statement on refusing unsafe rotas
DOCTORS asked to cover rota gaps should carefully consider their own health and welfare and the impact on their practice if they are exhausted, says the GMC.
GPs overprescribing antibiotics for toothaches
MORE than half of patients visiting a GP with a dental problem in the last 10 years were prescribed antibiotics, often unnecessarily, according to a study published in the British Journal of General Practice.
NICE guidance to minimise risk in prescribing controlled drugs
NEW guidance on prescribing controlled drugs has been issued by NICE, drawing together up-to-date legislation and existing advice.
Wide variation in death rates after emergency general surgery
DEATH rates among patients undergoing emergency general surgery are almost 12 times higher at some Trusts compared to others, according to a report by the Nuffield Trust.
Dentist addresses to be removed from GDC register
THE full addresses of dental care professionals will no longer be published on the General Dental Council website under new plans announced by the regulator.
New standards for cosmetic procedures
DOCTORS who carry out cosmetic procedures must not use gimmicks such as two-for-one offers or prize giveaways to attract patients, according to new standards published by the General Medical Council.
Changes for NHS dental practices in Scotland
ADULT NHS dental patients must be given an examination when they register with a new practice in Scotland.
Reduced antibiotic prescribing following incentive scheme
ANTIBIOTIC prescribing in primary care in England fell 7.9 per cent between April and December 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, according to statistics released by NHS England.
Doctors suffering depression are less likely to reach out for help
OVER 80 per cent of doctors know of other doctors experiencing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, according to a new survey published by the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund.