What's New in Social Care and Healthcare this Week? (19/02/24)

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​As another week rolls around, it's time to look at the most noteworthy recent news stories from the worlds of healthcare and social care. We know you're busy; that's why we keep it short, sweet and to the point. Everything you need to know in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Let's crack on.

1. New Drug for Parkinson's Being Launched

NHS England announces the rollout of a groundbreaking treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease, benefitting nearly 1,000 patients. The new therapy, Produodopa, utilises a portable pump to deliver a continuous flow of medication directly into the bloodstream, providing round-the-clock symptom control.

This innovative treatment, combining foslevodopa and foscarbidopa, aims to significantly reduce the current reliance on multiple daily medications and improve the quality of life for sufferers. 

Approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence after successful clinical trials, Produodopa offers a promising alternative to existing treatments, including deep brain stimulation.

2. Overseas Dentist Applicants Could Have Exam Scrapped

The UK government is exploring a proposal to allow foreign dentists to practice in the country without undergoing a skills examination, aiming to alleviate the current NHS dentist shortage.

This initiative is part of a broader £200 million NHS Dental Recovery Plan for England, including increased pay for NHS dental work, the introduction of "dental vans" in underserved areas, and £20,000 bonuses for dentists in these regions.

The British Dental Association criticises the plan, arguing it fails to address the fundamental issues driving dentists away from the NHS. The proposal, which is open for a three-month consultation, seeks to enhance dental appointment availability by 2.5 million next year.

3. Prisoners Face Lengthy Wait for Mental Health Beds

Prisoners with severe mental illnesses in the UK face excessive delays in receiving hospital care, with an average wait of 85 days, far beyond the 28-day target. The Chief Inspector of Prisons highlighted the issue, noting instances where inmates waited up to 462 days for transfer to a hospital, exacerbating their conditions in unsuitable prison environments.

The report criticises the NHS and the Ministry of Justice for the backlog, attributed to a lack of secure beds and bureaucratic delays. Despite some improvements in prison mental health units, the system's failure to promptly transfer severely ill inmates to appropriate care facilities remains a significant concern, with experts calling for urgent action to address the shortfall in mental health service provision.

4. Cheshire East Council Requests Funding to Avoid Going Bankrupt

Cheshire East Council has become the latest in a string of local authorities to request additional funding, with the council seeking "exceptional financial support" from the government to avoid declaring bankruptcy, requesting an additional £17.6 million to manage significant financial pressures.

These pressures include costs associated with cancelling the HS2 rail project's northern leg and increased expenditures on special educational needs (SEND).

The council aims to avert the issuance of a Section 114 notice, which signals a local authority's spending exceeding its available funds. Facing a projected £13 million overspend this financial year and with £14.1 million in reserves, the council has already implemented cost-saving measures.

The requested funds would help mitigate the risk of financial insolvency, allowing the council to maintain essential services and manage its restructuring efforts.

5. Change Needed in Social Care Funding, Says Professor

A professor from the University of Birmingham has outlined why he believes a change in social care funding is required. Jon Glasby, Professor of Health and Social Care and Head of School of Social Policy, discusses how the assumption that social care in the UK is funded similarly to the NHS, and hence freely available, often leads to shock when individuals learn this isn't the case, especially during crises.

The funding mechanisms for adult social care, heavily means-tested and targeted towards those with severe needs and low incomes, starkly contrast with the NHS's more universally accessible model. Despite numerous reviews and proposed reforms since the late 1990s, effective implementation has faltered, mainly due to political unpopularity.

The article (which can be read here) underscores the necessity of reevaluating this funding disparity, advocating for a more integrated approach that reflects the value placed on supporting disabled and older individuals within society.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, your weekly news roundup of everything that's been going on related to the worlds of healthcare and social care. As always, we're here to help you find your next role in these sectors – if you're interested, then get in touch!