A round-up of news from the professional journals
NHS Direct
NHS Direct has been given an authoritative thumbs up as a successful service
with a good safety record, according to a new report by Government spending
watchdog the National Audit Office (NAO). But the nurse-led helpline must now
take action so that nurses speak to patients more quickly. It must also ensure
recruitment of nurses by NHS Direct does not create shortfalls of experienced
staff elsewhere in the NHS.
Nursing Times
29 January 2002
War on obesity
Health campaigners have called for urgent action to combat obesity. The
powerful Commons Public Accounts Committee said obesity was contributing to
30,000 deaths every year and demanded the Department of Health tackled the
problem more effectively.
Nursing Times
16 January 2002
Registration fees
Nurses’ registration fees will rise by a further 30 per cent in 2004 if the
new Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) gets its way. Shadow NMC president
Jonathan Asbridge was due to seek permission for the increase from health
minister John Hutton in February. If the move is approved, fees will have
soared from £36 to £78 in less than three years.
Nursing Standard
30 January 2002
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