Call to “liberalise” referral guidelines for bowel cancer
ONLY half of people diagnosed with bowel cancer present with the "high-risk" symptoms that would qualify for an urgent referral, according to a report from Bowel Cancer UK.
Dentists must make FOI updates
NHS dentists in Scotland must update their publication scheme now to comply with freedom of information laws.
Records - friend or foe?
Consider this scenario – several months after a consultation a patient complains to the GMC that you behaved inappropriately during an examination.
Where do claims occur in primary care?
You may have heard the old adage concerning the analysis of systems data: ”rubbish in, rubbish out”. This means that, no matter how modern and sophisticated your information systems may be, frustration will be the likely outcome if the information it contains is incomplete, inaccurate or inconsistent.
Large claims risk
I was astonished to learn recently that the NHS is facing a £24m payout for one claim.
Communicating with patients as a new dental VT
This time of year brings all sorts of reminders of growth and change. From the season’s new green shoots and emerging bursts of colour to the approach of term-end with students starting out on their new careers and lives as professionals.
Audit finds failings in hospital care for dying
A MAJOR audit of care provision for patients dying in hospital has found significant variations across England and deficiencies in communication and the availability of palliative services.
Reducing risk: when a patient refuses a chaperone
My recent blog on offering chaperones when undertaking intimate examinations sparked some discussion here over cases we have encountered.
GPs fear workload risks patient safety
MORE than 80 per cent of GPs worry about missing a serious condition in a patient because of their heavy workload, a new survey has revealed.
Trainee shortages impact job planning
SHORTAGES of trainee doctors are making workforce planning “almost impossible”.