What's New in Social Care and Healthcare this Week? (12/02/24)

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​There's plenty of healthcare and social care news to get stuck into this week, so let's get into it immediately!

1. NHS Potentially Unprepared for Rollout of Two New Alzheimer's Drugs

Alzheimer's patients in England may miss out on innovative treatments, lecanemab and donanemab, due to NHS unpreparedness, as reported by Alzheimer's Research UK to BBC Panorama. These drugs, which target the early stages of Alzheimer's by slowing its progression, are under review for UK licensing but require early diagnosis for effectiveness—a challenge given the limited use of specialist scans. 

Despite potential side effects, these treatments mark a significant shift towards addressing Alzheimer's causes rather than just symptoms. The NHS faces a critical assessment of the drugs' cost-effectiveness and readiness for widespread rollout, amidst concerns over the current diagnostic capabilities and the high costs involved.

2. Further Junior Doctor Strikes Planned

Junior doctors in England will strike from February 24 to 28 amid a pay dispute with the government. Seeking a 35% increase, their demands have been rebuffed by ministers, leading to likely disruptions in routine hospital services. The government, asserting its willingness to negotiate further, discussed an additional 3% increase on top of this year's nearly 9% raise, yet talks broke down in December without an agreement. 

The British Medical Association (BMA) criticises the government's failure to present an improved offer, warning of the strike's pressure on the NHS. This action marks the 10th strike since March 2023, with over 1.2 million medical appointments cancelled due to NHS strikes since December 2022.

3. Shortage of EPs Having Large Impact

 The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has highlighted a critical shortage of educational psychologists (EPs) affecting councils' ability to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). A case in Surrey revealed a nine-month delay for a girl awaiting additional learning support, with a backlog of about 1,000 assessments needing EP input. 

The council attributes the shortfall to a national lack of qualified psychologists, exacerbating delays in the educational, health, and care plan (EHCP) process. Surrey's EP staffing is at half the required level, despite a 64% increase in referrals since 2020. Efforts to train more EPs are underway, but the resolution demands significant national action.

4. Labour Changes Social Care Plans

Labour has revised its social care reform strategy, focusing on short-term improvements rather than comprehensive changes. Ahead of the upcoming general election, the party announced it would work towards a fair-pay agreement for carers to address recruitment and retention challenges within the sector. 

While the creation of a National Care Service will not be pursued in its initial term, Labour views this as a long-term goal, requiring at least a decade to implement fully. Christina McAnea emphasised the complexity of the care sector and Labour's commitment to fair wages for care workers across England, aiming to make care jobs more appealing and alleviate the current workforce shortage.

5. New Wildlife-Based Men's Mental Health Programme Launching in Wiltshire

 Wiltshire Council, in collaboration with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, is launching a free wellbeing programme aimed at improving the mental health of men aged 20-59 through nature-based activities. Starting on February 19 in Salisbury and later expanding to Trowbridge and Chippenham, the 12-week initiative offers hiking, woodwork, bushcraft skills, stress management, and mindfulness techniques. 

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling highlights the programme's goal to equip men with tools for better mental wellbeing, promoting engagement in enjoyable activities and outdoor benefits. Damian Haasjes of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust emphasises the positive effects of connecting with nature on mental health, viewing the programme as a crucial step towards early support for men facing mental health challenges.

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