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What's New in Social Care and Healthcare this Week? (05/02/24)
There's been a lot of news in the worlds of healthcare and social care this past week, and we're here to tell you all about it. So, if you want five of the most noteworthy news stories all packaged in one easy-to-read list, you've come to the right place!
1. Pharmacy First Scheme Launches
The UK government and NHS England launched the Pharmacy First scheme on January 31, 2024, to allow patients direct access to treatment for seven common conditions at local pharmacies without needing a GP appointment.
This initiative aims to alleviate pressure on GP services by enabling pharmacists to supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals, for conditions like sinusitis, sore throat, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
With over 10,000 pharmacies participating, the program seeks to free up millions of GP appointments annually and enhance healthcare accessibility. Find out more about the scheme in our recent blog post, here.
2. Criticism of Social Care Migration Policy
The UK government's approach to recruiting care home staff from overseas has been criticised as "dangerous" by industry leaders due to new restrictions preventing overseas workers from bringing their families.
With a significant staff shortage in the sector and 152,000 vacancies in England alone, the policy is causing concern among care providers reliant on foreign workers.
The government has introduced measures to support care workers, but the restrictions have sparked debate over their impact on the care sector and its ability to recruit and retain necessary talent. Find out more here.
3. Cancer Survival Rate Improvements Slowing Down
A Cancer Research UK study indicates that the improvement in cancer survival rates has markedly slowed, with progress in the 2010s being five times slower than in the 2000s.
Although the likelihood of surviving cancer for a decade or more in the UK is at an all-time high, increasing to 49.8% in 2018 from 47.9% in 2010-11, there's a concern over insufficient funding for research which could jeopardise future medical advances.
The report highlights the critical role of screening programs and research in saving lives but warns of a potential £1bn funding gap that could impact the fight against cancer.
4. Prime Minister Admits Failure to Cut Waiting Lists
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged in a TalkTV interview with Piers Morgan that the UK government has not met its commitment to reduce NHS waiting lists in England.
Despite setting this as a priority in January 2023, Sunak admitted that progress had not been sufficiently made, attributing part of the issue to the impact of industrial actions within the health service.
In spite of record investments and increased resources like doctors and nurses, ongoing disputes with junior doctors and consultants continue to affect the NHS's ability to reduce waiting times.
5. Wiltshire Social Workers Declare Strike Action
Wiltshire social workers, represented by the GMB union, have declared a three-month strike action, occurring every weekend until May 19, 2024. This action comes in response to proposed pay cuts by Wiltshire Council, which would eliminate a contractual out-of-hours bonus, affecting some employees' annual salaries by up to 20%.
The dispute, ongoing for two years, highlights the tension between council financial claims and the impact on frontline staff, with concerns about the ability to retain qualified social workers.
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