Speeding up the diagnosis of deadly diseases

A boost in funding for artificial intelligence (AI) for the NHS

The Government is committed to saving more lives and detect up to three quarters of all cancers at an early stage by 2028. A £50 million funding investment has been made for work involving Digital Pathology and Imaging Artificial Intelligence Centres of Excellence with the aim to improve the diagnosis of diseases such as cancer.

The 3 centres identified to access a share of the funding include London, Coventry and Leeds, benefiting 26.5 million patients across the UK.

National Pathology Imaging Co-operative Director and Consultant Pathologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Darren Treanor said:

“This investment will allow us to use digital pathology to diagnose cancer at 21 NHS trusts in the north, serving a population of 6 million people. We will also build a national network spanning another 25 hospitals in England, allowing doctors to get expert second opinions in rare cancers, such as childhood tumours, more rapidly. This funding puts the NHS in a strong position to be a global leader in the use of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of disease.”

To find out more click here.

Community pharmacies

Supporting the health and well-being of the local population

A NICE quality standard covering how community pharmacies can promote health and well-being. It describes high quality care in areas identified as priorities. To find out more click here.

The flowchart below outlines areas covered and associated recommendations.

Digital Transformation and Covid 19 – Online Event

Implementing quality standards and solutions

The Kings Fund are hosting a free online event next week, Tuesday 15th September 10-11am and will discuss the changes in service and delivery of healthcare over the past few months.

The event will include:

  • what an inclusive, person-centred digital revolution would look like for the NHS and social care
  • the standards from before the pandemic and what the gains from this rapid transformation should consolidate
  • what this transformation will mean for people and staff on the ground

To register your place click here.

£800 million tender for NHS

Supporting the provision of digital solutions

Launched by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) the tender covers the provision and support of IT systems for NHS Digital and other public and health care bodies.

“The framework is intended to address the evolving technical “stacks” associated within the different pillars of NHS Digital, including platforms and infrastructure; product development; and data services.” (Andrea Downey)

Up to 12 suppliers will be chosen to develop strategic relationships, provide support networks, and improve data management services. The tender is open for applications until 3pm on the 24th September 2020. To find out more click here.

Local restrictions in the North of England

What you can and can’t do

The department of Health and Social Care have released new guidelines for areas under local restrictions. It outlines; affected areas, business and venue closures, travel restrictions and childcare and social limitations.

If you live in an infected area you must NOT

  • host people you do not live with in your home or garden, unless they’re in your support bubble
  • meet people you do not live with in their home or garden, whether inside or outside of the affected areas unless they’re in your support bubble
  • socialise with people you do not live with in other indoor public venues – such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions.
  • visit friends or family in care homes, other than in exceptional circumstances.

You CAN:

  • attend venues (pubs, restaurants, shops, places of worship, places of leisure and entertainment) with people you live with (or are in a support bubble with), but should avoid interaction with individuals or groups from other households.
  • socalise in outdoor public spaces in groups of up to 6 people
  • travel outside your area or go on holiday with people from your household
  • go to work
  • move house
  • arrange and use childcare provision

For more information and to read the whole guidance click here.

Evidence Updates

Keeping up to date with current awareness

Update on COVID-19 pandemic.
BMJ Best Practice; 2020.

Cycling to work lowers risk of illness and death compared to driving.
NIHR Evidence; 2020.
[People who cycle to work are at lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and death than those who drive. This is seen across all occupational groups and suggests that cycling to work could benefit people from all economic backgrounds. If fewer people are able to travel by public transport due to social distancing, measures to make cycling easier and safer could improve the nation’s health.]

Rehabilitation for adults with complex psychosis.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); 2020.
[This guideline covers mental health rehabilitation for adults with complex psychosis. It aims to ensure people can have rehabilitation when they need it and promotes a positive approach to long-term recovery. It includes recommendations on organising rehabilitation services, assessment and care planning, delivering programmes and interventions, and meeting people’s physical healthcare needs.]

Face-to-face or remote consultations: supporting you to make safe decisions about patient contact.
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy; 2020.
[Guidance and advice on implementation from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists.This framework provides you with a pathway to interpret national guidance and adhere to the legal, regulatory and professional requirements that govern safe physiotherapy practice.]

Daily Insight: Inspectors or superspreaders?
Health Services Journal (HSJ); 2020.
[Latest stories and debate in health policy and leadership. The decision not to include CQC inspectors in regular asymptomatic covid testing could turn them into “super-spreaders,” unions have warned. The Infection and Prevention Society, however, has said inspectors are not likely to be put at significant risk.]

Remember to sign up to KnowledgeShare for research personalised to your field of work. Complete the registration form and send it to Academic.Library@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

KnowledgeShare-sign-up-formDownload




Kings Fund Online Event

Personalising digital tools for people with learning disabilities

The free online event will take place on Thursday 8th October, 12-1pm and will discuss examples of innovative digital solutions, considering how technology can help to personalise care for people with learning disabilities.

The event will feature:

  • practical ways of adjusting a digital tool to the individual using it, to make them feel more comfortable in their path to more independence
  • the importance of creative and empathetic attitudes in problem-solving in order to build tailored solutions
  • evidence for the benefits of using digital tools for people with learning disabilities and some cautionary tales, too
  • ways to involve the person, their family and carers at an early stage and throughout the decision-making process
  • the role of technology in promoting better health outcomes for people from disadvantaged groups and enhancing social inclusion

To book your place click here.

Gosall Library

Covid safety precautions

The Gosall Library, based in Preston, is still open and available for all Trust staff to use between the hours of 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday.

In light of the pandemic, we have made some small changes to ensure everyone’s safety:

Please wear your face mask when entering the Library and use the hand sanitiser provided on entry, before and after looking at books and on exit.

The Gosall Libary, Lantern Centre , Vicarage Lane,Preston , PR2 8DW

Protective barriers have been put in place, not only on our Library reception desk, but also within the hot-desking and computer area, allowing you to work in a safe environment.

Our self-issuing machine is available for staff wishing to issue a book. Simply follow the step by step guide as instructed on the machine.

We also have calming and reflective areas for you to take some time out to read an article, take some time to yourself or improve your mindfulness with our colouring board.

Along with medical journals and books, we also have a collection of fiction books which all staff can access.

Royal College of Nursing Survey

Nurses experiences of working through the pandemic

The survey was completed by over 42,000 colleagues who explained their experiences of working on the front line and the overall impact the pandemic had on their nursing lives. The outcomes show that the majority are still passionate about the nursing profession, however concerns were raised about personal and staff well-being.

The survey revealed:

  • 38% said staffing levels got worse during the pandemic
  • 62% said the needs of people they care for became more complex
  • 76% reported an increase in their own stress levels
  • 33% said they worked longer hours, but only 40% of those reported getting paid for them
  • 34% said they worked at a higher level of responsibility, with 90% of those saying they received no extra pay. 

To read the full report click here.