Healthcare

Key points from NICE guidance published in February 2012

Greater options for patients with type 2 diabetes

Green light for earlier use of rheumatoid arthritis drug

Final guidance from NICE out today (22 February) encourages further research into an operation which is claimed to relieve symptoms for some people who have multiple sclerosis.

NICE, the healthcare guidance body, has, published guidance today (Wednesday 22 February), recommending Pharmalgen (made by ALK-Abelló) as a treatment option for IgE-mediated bee and wasp venom allergy.

NICE, the healthcare guidance body, has today (Wednesday 22 February) confirmed its initial draft and final draft positive recommendation of prolonged release exenatide (Bydureon, Eli Lilly) in triple therapy regimens as a treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes.

Due to planned technical maintenance taking place this weekend, some RCN website services will not be available between 4pm on Friday 24 February until 5pm on Monday 27 February.

The RCN has launched two publications to help specialist nurses.

Making sure pregnant and breastfeeding women receive vitamin D

Each day this week Gerry O’Dwyer, RCN Senior Employment Relations Adviser, will be answering one of the five questions most frequently asked by members on pensions and the Government’s proposed changes to the NHS scheme.

The Royal College of Nursing has joined other health unions in calling on the Government to disclose the risks associated with the Health and Social Care Bill, in line with a request from the Information Commissioner.

BT has upgraded 15,000 users of RiO in London and the South to Release 1- and Release 1.1 will start rolling out next month.

Each day this week Gerry O’Dwyer, RCN Senior Employment Relations Adviser, will be answering one of the five questions most frequently asked by members on pensions and the Government’s proposed changes to the NHS scheme.

The owner of the firm behind the widely-used HSS radiology information system and EuroKing maternity system has been placed in administration.

Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust is rolling out a mobile working project with NDL that will involve around 800 community nurses and therapists.

The nine London trusts undertaking a massive collaborative tender for patient administration systems and electronic patient record systems expect to have a new contract in place by spring next year.

Lessons learned from the NHS 111 pilots may be lost because of unrealistic deadlines for the roll-out of the urgent care service, NHS Direct has said.

The Royal College of Nursing has said the Government has showed an unwillingness to engage with nursing staff by failing to invite all relevant groups to today’s Downing Street meeting on the NHS reforms.

Medway Community Healthcare expects to meet up to 20% of its efficiency targets by deploying a new community healthcare system from Advanced Health and Care.