Top stories
GP practices blocked from bidding for premises fund by cash-strapped CCG
GPs told to bypass patient record collection service and contact practices directly
16:35 More than seven in ten people with mental health problems believe that their condition has hit their finances, Money Saving Expert reports.
The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute surveyed over 5,000 people with mental health problems, finding that:
- 72% said their condition had made their financial situation worse;
- 93% say they wspend more when they are unwell;
- 92% find it harder to make financial decisions;
- 74% put off paying bills and 53% have ended up seriously behind on payments for at least one bill or loan.
14:50 Women over 50 are delaying or avoiding their smear tests, reports the BBC.
A survey of 1,000 women over 50 by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust showed that one in three had either delayed or not attended their five-yearly test.
On average, they put it off by two years but one in 10 had delayed it for more than five years.
The respondents’ reasons for not going included finding it painful or embarrassing, or being unable to book a convenient appointment.
The charity said women aged 50-64 not attending their tests were ‘of particular concern as they are more likely to receive an advanced stage diagnosis, which means more invasive treatment, poorer health outcomes and increased risk of loss of life’.
13:46 A bunch of GPs have been given honours in light of the Queen’s (official) 90th birthday this weekend.
While not as amazing as having two birthdays (the Queen’s real birthday is 21 April), these GPs can now fashion themselves with a snazzy MBE:
- Dr Charlotte Pamela Logue, Portstewart, Londonderry
- Dr Clifford Richards, Runcorn, Cheshire
- Dr Margaret Anne Talbot, Bolton, Greater Manchester
- Dr Helen Margaret McKendrick, Liverpool, Merseyside
- Dr Andrew Ian Naylor, Isle of Harris, Western Isles
- Dr Simon Opher, Gloucestershire
11:25 In an unlikely pairing, the CQC has hooked up with Mumsnet – the website for parents – to promote its inspection reports.
The CQC tweeted: ‘We’ve teamed up with @MumsnetTowers to encourage mumsnetters to use reports when choosing care for a loved one.’
The Mumsnet website now has a microsite dedicated to CQC, where the inspection body presents its own information about choosing health and care services.
09:51 Good morning and welcome to a new week of Pulse reporting. Our top story this morning is about a cash-strapped CCG which has told practices that they cannot bid for the Governent’s £1bn premises transformation fund – because they can’t afford the reimburse the subsequent rent increases.
