Pulse news

Probe into possible link between swine flu vaccine and narcolepsy

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:15:00 GMT

The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) is investigating a possible link between the swine flu vaccine Pandemrix and cases of narcolepsy.

High heart rate a cardiovascular risk factor in heart failure patients

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Researchers have shown for the first time that heart failure patients with a high resting heart rate are at higher risk of admission to hospital and death from cardiovascular causes.

GPs may have to inherit some PCT debts, Buckman warns

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:45:00 GMT

Exclusive: GP consortia may have to accept taking on some PCT debts when they assume full commissioning power, but they should not be forced to prop up expensive Darzi centre and PFI contracts, GPC chair Dr Laurence Buckman said this week.

Burnham launches bid to block GP commissioning plans

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:30:00 GMT

Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham today launched what he has billed as the ‘mother of all battles’ to stop the NHS reforms outlined in the coalition Government's health white paper, claiming they will fatally 'compromise' the role of GPs.

Practice size 'makes no difference' to QOF achievement

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:15:00 GMT

The quality of care provided in small and single-handed practices is comparable to that provided by larger practices, an analysis by primary care researchers has shown.

GPs face fight for control of new 111 service

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:00:00 GMT

GP commissioning groups are set to be plunged into battle with ambulance trusts and a skeleton NHS Direct service for control of the new 111 urgent care number.

GPs left facing funding shortfall as extra investment in enhanced services fails to materialise

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:45:00 GMT

Exclusive: Fewer than half of PCTs have increased their investment in enhanced services this year, despite repeated Government assurances that GPs would be able to offset successive pay freezes with extra investment.