IN BRIEF The number of people who died within 30 days of fracturing a hip fell by 300 between 2011/2012 and 2012/2013, according to a new report. The National Hip Fracture Database figures, which cover England, Wales and Northern Ireland, also show more people admitted to hospital with fractures were operated on the same day or the day after. To read the full report go to tinyurl.com/qg8vg36 Nursing students should be taught about physical and mental health at the same time, chief medical officer Sally Davies said last week. In her 2013 annual report, which focuses on mental health, Professor Dame Sally said nurse training is split from the outset into mental and general nursing, allowing limited opportunities for students to gain skills from the other side. RCN general secretary Peter Carter said: ‘A concerted effort to invest in mental health services, to integrate care and to improve public understanding is vital and history will judge us if we fail to take the opportunity.’ The British Association for the Study of the Liver’s nurse forum has released resources to help nurses support and educate patients with liver conditions. The study resources, which can be completed online, include a scenario on supporting people with viral hepatitis to adhere to their treatment plans and a demonstration of how to carry out an holistic assessment. To complete the topics visit tinyurl.com/ozu3qs9 Two ‘champion days’ will recognise the hard work and dedication of community nurses in supporting carers. The events, which are free, will be held in Birmingham on October 15 and London on November 19, by the Queen’s Nursing Institute carers project. To book for Birmingham go to tinyurl.com/l7vzbzw and for London visit tinyurl.com/le7fye2 The University of the West of Scotland has introduced simulated learning environments so nursing students can gain experience in community practice. Four settings – a patient’s home, a reception area, a GP consulting room and a treatment room – have been designed to allow students to develop primary care skills including clinical assessment, interpretation of blood results and health promotion. The Welsh Government has proposed a £50 on-the-spot fine for those caught smoking in cars carrying children. It is consulting until October 24 on legal changes that would make it an offence to smoke or for a driver to allow someone else to smoke when anyone under 18 is in a private vehicle. The Department of Health has consulted on plans to outlaw smoking in cars with children in England and changes to the law in both countries could come into force next year. To take part in the Welsh consultation visit tinyurl.com/nu35t79 A smartphone app to help clinicians report suspected adverse drug reactions to European Union regulators is being developed. The project, known as WEB-RADR and led by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, is a response to the rapid adoption of smartphones, apps and social media for discussing problems with medicines and health. 10 september 17 :: vol 29 no 3 :: 2014

VITAL ALCOHOL ROLE NEEDS EXTRA FUNDS Alcohol liaison nurses in hospitals need greater financial support, a report states. A study of alcohol health workers, funded by Alcohol Research UK, revealed that while many hospitals now employ specialist staff to deal with alcohol problems, the work is often underfunded. Alcohol Research UK director of research and policy development James Nicholls said: ‘The government’s alcohol strategy identified hospital-based specialists as key to tackling problems among patients with alcohol problems. ‘It is vitally important this role is supported. We should ensure funding is available to protect existing provision and to expand the number of hospitals providing this important service.’ In its 2012 alcohol strategy, the government stated that the role of hospital-based alcohol health workers is a vital one and called for more alcohol liaison nurses to be employed. The research was carried out by Leeds Metropolitan University and the University of York. Researcher Sarah Baker said: ‘Financial and managerial support needs to be in place to ensure these positions have the necessary resources.’ Go to tinyurl.com/l7pfopl

Government action could have prevented sepsis deaths MPs have criticised the government for a lack of urgency in preventing deaths from sepsis. An estimated 37,000 patients die of the condition in England every year because of failings such as delayed examinations and inadequate record taking. A report by health service ombudsman Dame Julie Mellor published a year ago made recommendations to improve care, including better recognition of sepsis through staff and public education. Commons public administration committee chair Bernard Jenkin told its hearing that the government had failed to give the ombudsman’s report ‘the urgency it deserves’. ‘If these recommendations had been implemented by now we would be perhaps saving 12,500 lives a year,’ Mr Jenkin said. Health minister Dan Poulter said tackling sepsis was a priority and healthcare staff were being educated on spotting symptoms.

NURSING STANDARD

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Vital alcohol role needs extra funds.

Alcohol liaison nurses in hospitals need greater financial support, a report states...
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