DH seeks tougher sanctions for security breaches
The government is seeking an increase in penalties for NHS staff that breach the Data Protection Act. Health minister, Ben Bradshaw, made the pledge at a debate on the health select committee report on electronic patient records in Westminster last Thursday. This followed evidence read by chair of the committee, Kevin Barron, citing examples of […]
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New GP leads aim to connect
Dr Peter Short, one of two new GP clinical leads just appointed by Connecting for Health, is clear about how he will measure his success in the job.
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PCT uses text messages to tackle obesity
Hammersmith and Fulham PCT has piloted the use of text messaging to calculate patients’ body mass indexes (BMIs) and contact those who are classified as obese. It intends to use the scheme across its 26 surgeries from this month. The west London PCT sent out text messages to almost 1000 patients over the Christmas period, […]
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Great Yarmouth GPs use pathology e-requesting
GP practices in East Anglia are using a new order communications solution called GP RequestVision from Olympus, to request pathology tests from the nearby James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. GPs from practices in Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Waveney are using the solution to order pathology tests online via a simple tick box style form, interfaced […]
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Private GP providers’ technology
The private providers winning contracts to run general practices have information technology close to the top of their agendas, Fiona Barr reports.
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Hospitals block appointments with C+B
Hospitals are using Choose and Book to block patients making appointments so they can meet their waiting time targets, according to GP representatives. Avon Local Medical Committee (LMC) claims local hospitals are refusing to give patients appointments when they ring up with a Unique Booking Reference Number (UBRN) if the appointment would exceed hospital waiting […]
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Primary care order comms pilots announced
Two pilot sites have been named as part of the primary care order communications project, which is developing the electronic ordering of pathology tests and the reporting of test results in primary care. Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust’s pathology service will work with the Park Road Medical Centre, Wallington. In addition, the […]
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CfH appoints two new GP clinical leads
Connecting for Health has appointed two new GP national clinical leads – former EMIS national user group chair Dr Manpreet Pujara and former NPfIT clinical lead for Derby City and County, Dr Peter Short. The GPs will replace Professor Mike Pringle and Dr Gillian Braunold. Their role is to involve GPs directly in developing the benefits […]
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Pfizer partners with PCT on telephone care
Pfizer is working with a PCT to deliver telephone-based care management expects to sign up more PCTs within the next two years. UK Pfizer Health Solutions (PHS) has been working with the Birmingham East and North East PCT since April 2006 to deliver Birmingham OwnHealth, a nurse-led telephone care management programme. The PCT now plans […]
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Birmingham PCT to extend telecare to 27,000
A PCT plans to expand its telephone-based care management programme, from 2000 to 27,000 patients, following the results from the first year. Birmingham East and North PCT together with NHS Direct and Pfizer Health Solutions launched Birmingham OwnHealth, a nurse-led telephone care management programme, in April 2006. The innovative service is designed to provide telephone […]
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