SG: NHS Pension Scheme

Changes to the NHS Pension Scheme will be implemented from April 2008, it was announced today.
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NPSA: Anaesthesia: Safety improvement through partnership

A key programme of work to improve safety in anaesthetic services is announced today by the National Patient Safety Agency at a conference opened by HRH the Princess Royal.
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GMC: GMC announces new registration framework

The General Medical Council (GMC) has today announced a new framework for registering doctors, which will come into force on 19 October 2007.
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MMC Medical Graduates from outside the European Economic Area - Document for discussion and feedback

The Department of Health has set out proposals for managing applications for National Health Service foundation and specialty training programmes from medical graduates from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). A discussion document has been published seeking views from a wide variety of stakeholders and representatives about the proposals for 2008. Deadline for responses 10.00am on 22 October 2007. Read the document here ...

RCoA: Statement on Anaesthesia Practitioners (APs)

Fellows and members of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) and the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) will be aware that jointly we have developed a curriculum and training process for the Anaesthesia Practitioner (Physicians’ Assistant Anaesthesia) (AP) grade.
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RCoA: Early review of emergency admissions by senior doctors is essential to ensure correct diagnosis and provide best care

Patients should be seen by a senior doctor within 12 hours when admitted as emergencies.
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RCoA: Locally led, staggered recruitment for specialty training in 2008

On 8 October the Department of Health in London issued the following press statement concerning specialty recruitment in 2008. The College will keep members informed as more details emerge.
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RCoA: Royal Colleges issue recommendations for the safe organisation of care during labour and birth

New recommendations on standards for the safe organisation of care during childbirth have been issued today by the Royal Colleges of Anaesthetists (RCOA), Midwives (RCM), Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), and Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
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SMC: ziconotide

Ziconotide (Prialt®) is not recommended for use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of severe, chronic pain in patients who require intrathecal analgesia.
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MMC Inquiry (Tooke Review)

Report with draft recommendations for consultation was published today.
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NICE: 2007/052 Managing head injury: updated NICE guidelines published

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has today (26 September 2007) issued the newly updated guideline on the early care of adults and children with head injuries.
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AAGBI: DNAR Working Party

As stated in the October issue of Anaesthesia News, a new AAGBI Working Party on ‘do not attempt resuscitation’ (DNAR) orders
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NPSA: Emergency support in surgical units: Dealing with haemorrhage

Following the death of a patient, the National Patient Safety Agency is warning that surgery should not be commissioned or delivered in facilities which lack the systems and equipment to manage emergencies safely.
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RCoA: Brain scans show understanding and memory rely on consciousness

Scientists in Cambridge have used brain imaging to show that sedation reduces activity in the brain regions critical for forming memories and understanding the meaning of sentences. more ...