This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/society/live/2016/jan/18/this-is-the-nhs-live-blog

The article has changed 65 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
This is the NHS: day one of our groundbreaking project – rolling blog This is the NHS: day one of our groundbreaking project – rolling blog
(35 minutes later)
10.22am GMT
10:22
Jessica Elgot
Dr Dagan Lonsdale, one of the leading lights of the junior doctors campaign, is a registrar at St George’s working in intensive care and clinical pharmacology. He told me the story of the one patient that changed him – and it was one he couldn’t save:
He was in his 90s, and had a huge tear in his aorta – a major blood vessel – and we just couldn’t do anything for him. But he was awake, alert and I sat with him, knowing that over the course of the afternoon, he was going to die.
And he told me the story of his whole life, he had this incredible life story. He understood he was at the end. And yes being there was a service to him, but he did a service to me. He taught me about death, and how it comes to all of that. And death will always be a part of what we do, the hardest part. When you can make someone better, when you work it out, that’s the best feeling.
Updated
at 10.28am GMT
10.19am GMT
10:19
Your comments on our sugar tax exclusive
There has been some interesting discussion of Denis Campbell’s scoop on plans for an NHS-wide sugar tax to help combat obesity – and possibly trailblaze a nationwide scheme. One reader welcomes the initiative, but raises the issue of the NHS’s own catering:
Fine, but what about the NHS's own catering for its inpatients? I've just spent a few days in hospital where the inpatients menus were full of sugary options. There was no fresh fruit available at breakfast or the evening meal, no plain yoghurts (all were 'fruit, that is sugar-added), there were only two salads allocated to a ward of about 50 people (so always crossed off the menu by the time they got just a little way down the ward) and no special arrangements for the diabetic patient in my bay, who was offered sugary 'sweets' at every meal. While most people now expect visitors to bring in decent food for inpatients, that's not always possible, especially if they end up in hospital at a distance from family and friends. So maybe the NHS budget should also expand to provide healthy catering for its inpatients, rather than the cheapest and poorest quality options.
While ‘Andrew Lee’ says the argument that a sugar tax will unfairly hit the pockets of poorer people is wrongheaded:
I think that this is a great measure to curb the prevalence of obesity and type II diabetes which, after antibiotic resistance, are the two biggest challenges our NHS will have to adapt to in order to deliver their usual standard of care. I think that this easily could extend to both primary and secondary schools.
The argument that a sugar tax would simply exclude poorer people from affording products filled with sugar is completely invalid. It is in those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and with lower incomes where the onset of obesity and type II diabetes is most rapid. It is the poor who are exploited most by manufacturers of unhealthy foods and sugary drinks, who make products packed with sugar easily affordable and widely available so as to chain their customers to a chronic, pathological, perhaps even addictive, sugar consumption. The least our health service can do is oversee the provision of healthier foods while the patients are kept in hospital.
10.11am GMT
10:11
Rowena Mason
Here’s an early edit of Rowena Mason’s upcoming news story on David Cameron’s earlier interview on the Today programme.
David Cameron has repeated the threat to impose a new contract on junior doctors without their consent, arguing they cannot be allowed to “block progress in our NHS”.
In comments that risk further infuriating junior doctors, the prime minister said the government needed to reserve the right to bring in changes opposed by medics.
His position echoes that of Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, who said the contract could be imposed as a last resort but he would prefer to come to a settlement.
Cameron told the BBC’s Today programme: “We can’t rule that out because we can’t simply go into a situation where the junior doctors have a complete veto, block over progress in our NHS.
“But we’re talking to them in very good faith, I think we’ve settled 15 of the 16 issues that they raised, there’s an 11% basic pay rise on the table... and for instance we’ve just put on the table the idea no one should be asked to work two Saturdays in a row.
“I don’t want this strike situation to continue. What I want is what I put in our manifesto, which is a more seven-day NHS for which we do need some contract changes.”
The government, NHS Employers and British Medical Association, representing junior doctors, are currently all in negotiations in an effort to bring an end to the dispute, which led to a strike earlier this month.
They are thought to be hopeful of avoiding a further strike planned for this month and a third that would see emergency care affected but the government is still threatening to bring in the contract without BMA consent if a deal cannot be reached.
9.53am GMT9.53am GMT
09:5309:53
Jessica ElgotJessica Elgot
Inside the main entrance of St George’s, through which 10,000 people pass every day, Jenni Domain, the estates manager in charge of running a hospital the size of Westfield shopping centre, is making her morning round. Inside the main entrance of St George’s, through which 10,000 people pass every day, Jenni Doman, the estates manager in charge of running a hospital the size of Westfield shopping centre, is making her morning round.
“I don’t want to be a manager in an office,” she said. “I need to make sure I’m out on the shop floor as much as possible. I’ve been here 12 years, I thought it would be more like two but I just love the variety of the job: it can be policy work on infection control, to making sure 1,000 people a day get their breakfast.“I don’t want to be a manager in an office,” she said. “I need to make sure I’m out on the shop floor as much as possible. I’ve been here 12 years, I thought it would be more like two but I just love the variety of the job: it can be policy work on infection control, to making sure 1,000 people a day get their breakfast.
“That means a consultant or a general cleaner have as important a job to me – it’s all about patient care.” This is my local hospital, my partner’s hospital; I’m a patient, a relative, and an employe, and I want everyone to be treated the way I want to be treated.”“That means a consultant or a general cleaner have as important a job to me – it’s all about patient care.” This is my local hospital, my partner’s hospital; I’m a patient, a relative, and an employe, and I want everyone to be treated the way I want to be treated.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.55am GMT at 10.14am GMT
9.41am GMT9.41am GMT
09:4109:41
It’s worth saying again, this series is not about journalists swooping in to offer their diagnoses of what they think is the best and worst of the NHS; we are committed to assessing the state of health service through the voices of its staff and patients. Whether you’re a health worker or patient, or if you or someone in your family has been affected by the issues raised in our journalism, we want to hear from you.It’s worth saying again, this series is not about journalists swooping in to offer their diagnoses of what they think is the best and worst of the NHS; we are committed to assessing the state of health service through the voices of its staff and patients. Whether you’re a health worker or patient, or if you or someone in your family has been affected by the issues raised in our journalism, we want to hear from you.
You can comment below the line, tweet us – or if you have a longer story, photographs or video to share then please use GuardianWitness. We will feature your stories in our ongoing coverage.You can comment below the line, tweet us – or if you have a longer story, photographs or video to share then please use GuardianWitness. We will feature your stories in our ongoing coverage.
Related: This is the NHS: share your experiencesRelated: This is the NHS: share your experiences
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.05am GMTat 10.05am GMT
9.26am GMT9.26am GMT
09:2609:26
Here at Guardian Towers, staff have been treated to a sneak preview of our project in the form of a huge 50ft-ish (I’m terrible at judging distance) floor-to ceiling print along the wall to the canteen. Nothing like a bit of health data to help the kale soup go down.Here at Guardian Towers, staff have been treated to a sneak preview of our project in the form of a huge 50ft-ish (I’m terrible at judging distance) floor-to ceiling print along the wall to the canteen. Nothing like a bit of health data to help the kale soup go down.
20m wall graphic @guardian office for launch of #ThisIsTheNHS 4-week series of stories https://t.co/QU66pfOYpr pic.twitter.com/SUBEbJ1h8320m wall graphic @guardian office for launch of #ThisIsTheNHS 4-week series of stories https://t.co/QU66pfOYpr pic.twitter.com/SUBEbJ1h83
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.41am GMTat 9.41am GMT
9.15am GMT9.15am GMT
09:1509:15
How well do you know the NHS? Take our quiz to find outHow well do you know the NHS? Take our quiz to find out
How many of us have seen a dentist lately? How much does it cost to mend a broken arm? What proportion of NHS England staff receive abuse from the people they care for? Take our quiz to find out how well you know the NHS and how your answers compare with reality – and with other readers’ answers.How many of us have seen a dentist lately? How much does it cost to mend a broken arm? What proportion of NHS England staff receive abuse from the people they care for? Take our quiz to find out how well you know the NHS and how your answers compare with reality – and with other readers’ answers.
Try the question below as a bit of a teaser …Try the question below as a bit of a teaser …
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.41am GMTat 9.41am GMT
8.51am GMT8.51am GMT
08:5108:51
Jessica ElgotJessica Elgot
Jessica Elgot has arrived and has sent this bulletin of what she will be up to today:Jessica Elgot has arrived and has sent this bulletin of what she will be up to today:
I’m at St George’s hospital in Tooting, south London, to get a snapshot of the thousands of different things happening over the course of a working day at one of London’s leading hospitals.I’m at St George’s hospital in Tooting, south London, to get a snapshot of the thousands of different things happening over the course of a working day at one of London’s leading hospitals.
You might have seen St George’s on Channel 4’s addictive 24 Hours in A&E; but it’s the rest of the hospital I’ll be touring today. It has 8,500 staff, serving an immediate population of around 1.3 million – not counting those who come from further appeal for specialist care, and is one of the country’s principal teaching hospitals.You might have seen St George’s on Channel 4’s addictive 24 Hours in A&E; but it’s the rest of the hospital I’ll be touring today. It has 8,500 staff, serving an immediate population of around 1.3 million – not counting those who come from further appeal for specialist care, and is one of the country’s principal teaching hospitals.
Over the course of the day, I’ll be with consultant neuroscientists, heart surgeons, touring the sexual health clinic, walking round with estates management, meeting radiographers and junior doctors from countless specialties.Over the course of the day, I’ll be with consultant neuroscientists, heart surgeons, touring the sexual health clinic, walking round with estates management, meeting radiographers and junior doctors from countless specialties.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.05am GMTat 9.05am GMT
8.45am GMT8.45am GMT
08:4508:45
Cameron refuses to rule out imposing new contract on junior doctors before next strikeCameron refuses to rule out imposing new contract on junior doctors before next strike
Obviously the biggest NHS news story of the last few months has been the government’s attempts to get junior doctors to agree a new contract, ostensibly to pave the way for a seven-day health service. (To help you understand why junior doctors are not happy with this new contract, this video explainer will fill you in.)Obviously the biggest NHS news story of the last few months has been the government’s attempts to get junior doctors to agree a new contract, ostensibly to pave the way for a seven-day health service. (To help you understand why junior doctors are not happy with this new contract, this video explainer will fill you in.)
The prime minister was just interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, and has repeated the health secretary’s previous threat to impose the controversial new contract on junior doctors anyway, despite two more rounds of industrial action planned.The prime minister was just interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, and has repeated the health secretary’s previous threat to impose the controversial new contract on junior doctors anyway, despite two more rounds of industrial action planned.
Andrew Sparrow, over on the Politics live blog, was listening in and transcribed the full exchange here:Andrew Sparrow, over on the Politics live blog, was listening in and transcribed the full exchange here:
Q: Do you think junior doctors and the BMA are using this as a political opportunity to attack a Tory government?Q: Do you think junior doctors and the BMA are using this as a political opportunity to attack a Tory government?
Cameron says the BMA can answer for themselves.Cameron says the BMA can answer for themselves.
But they were telling doctors they would lose 30% of their pay. That was not right. They had a pay calculator on their website, but they had to take it down because it was not accurate, he says.But they were telling doctors they would lose 30% of their pay. That was not right. They had a pay calculator on their website, but they had to take it down because it was not accurate, he says.
He says you are 20% more likely to die from a stroke if you go into a hospital at a weekend.He says you are 20% more likely to die from a stroke if you go into a hospital at a weekend.
Q: Doctors have complained that that statistic is misleading.Q: Doctors have complained that that statistic is misleading.
Cameron says people in the medical profession know there is a problem with NHS treatment at weekends.Cameron says people in the medical profession know there is a problem with NHS treatment at weekends.
Q: Will you just impose this contract on junior doctors?Q: Will you just impose this contract on junior doctors?
Cameron says he cannot rule that out.Cameron says he cannot rule that out.
But he hopes to get an agreement. He is going into this in good faith. The government has just put on the table a proposal that no junior doctor should have to work two Saturdays in a row.But he hopes to get an agreement. He is going into this in good faith. The government has just put on the table a proposal that no junior doctor should have to work two Saturdays in a row.
Q: Could the contract be imposed before the strike in February?Q: Could the contract be imposed before the strike in February?
Cameron says he hopes it will not come to that.Cameron says he hopes it will not come to that.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.06am GMTat 9.06am GMT
8.32am GMT8.32am GMT
08:3208:32
Today's health news roundupToday's health news roundup
Obviously our #thisistheNHS project does not exist in a bubble – in fact, last week’s strike by junior doctors caused us to postpone the start by a week. So it would be remiss of me not to point you in the direction of the health stories making the news in other papers today (as well as our own fine scoop on NHS plans to introduce a sugar tax).Obviously our #thisistheNHS project does not exist in a bubble – in fact, last week’s strike by junior doctors caused us to postpone the start by a week. So it would be remiss of me not to point you in the direction of the health stories making the news in other papers today (as well as our own fine scoop on NHS plans to introduce a sugar tax).
The Telegraph is currently splashing its website on findings from the GP patient survey 2016 that shows more than 10 million patients a year are struggling to get a GP appointment. The paper says:The Telegraph is currently splashing its website on findings from the GP patient survey 2016 that shows more than 10 million patients a year are struggling to get a GP appointment. The paper says:
NHS statistics show that the proportion of people who are unhappy with the opening times of their local practice has risen by one fifth in three years, amid pleas from patients for seven-day opening. Family doctors last night said they are overwhelmed by growing demand, and increasingly unable to provide safe levels of service.NHS statistics show that the proportion of people who are unhappy with the opening times of their local practice has risen by one fifth in three years, amid pleas from patients for seven-day opening. Family doctors last night said they are overwhelmed by growing demand, and increasingly unable to provide safe levels of service.
The story goes on to say that patients’ groups blame the “increasing reliance on female GPs, often working limited hours” for the “part-time service”. This is bound to provoke some debate. Joyce Robin, from Patient Concern, said these female GPs often work only “a couple of mornings or afternoons a week”.The story goes on to say that patients’ groups blame the “increasing reliance on female GPs, often working limited hours” for the “part-time service”. This is bound to provoke some debate. Joyce Robin, from Patient Concern, said these female GPs often work only “a couple of mornings or afternoons a week”.
We have a reporter looking at the figures on which this Telegraph story is based, as we think there may have been some slightly unfair extrapolation. I will post the story here later this morning once we have it.We have a reporter looking at the figures on which this Telegraph story is based, as we think there may have been some slightly unfair extrapolation. I will post the story here later this morning once we have it.
The BBC is reporting on the remarkable results of a cancer treatment used on multiple sclerosis patients in Sheffield that appears to have “rebooted” the patients’ immune systems. The full story will be in tomorrow night’s Panorama programme.The BBC is reporting on the remarkable results of a cancer treatment used on multiple sclerosis patients in Sheffield that appears to have “rebooted” the patients’ immune systems. The full story will be in tomorrow night’s Panorama programme.
The treatment – known as an autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) – aims to destroy the faulty immune system using chemotherapy. It is then rebuilt with stem cells harvested from the patient’s own blood. These cells are at such an early stage they’ve not developed the flaws that trigger MS. Prof John Snowden, consultant haematologist at Royal Hallamshire hospital, said: “The immune system is being reset or rebooted back to a time point before it caused MS.” About 20 MS patients have been treated in Sheffield in the past three years. Prof Snowden added: “It’s clear we have made a big impact on patients’ lives, which is gratifying.”The treatment – known as an autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) – aims to destroy the faulty immune system using chemotherapy. It is then rebuilt with stem cells harvested from the patient’s own blood. These cells are at such an early stage they’ve not developed the flaws that trigger MS. Prof John Snowden, consultant haematologist at Royal Hallamshire hospital, said: “The immune system is being reset or rebooted back to a time point before it caused MS.” About 20 MS patients have been treated in Sheffield in the past three years. Prof Snowden added: “It’s clear we have made a big impact on patients’ lives, which is gratifying.”
Meanwhile, the Mail is claiming to have solved the mystery of why some people catch colds more often than others. It’s nothing to do with how many times you let toddlers sneeze on you, or lick the handrails on the tube, apparently. No, it’s more to do with genetics and whether or not you’re stressed.Meanwhile, the Mail is claiming to have solved the mystery of why some people catch colds more often than others. It’s nothing to do with how many times you let toddlers sneeze on you, or lick the handrails on the tube, apparently. No, it’s more to do with genetics and whether or not you’re stressed.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.00am GMTat 9.00am GMT
7.41am GMT7.41am GMT
07:4107:41
Your morning briefingYour morning briefing
Mark SmithMark Smith
Welcome to the first day of what is probably the most ambitious project the Guardian has ever undertaken. Over the next month, we will use the breadth of our journalistic expertise to get closer to the NHS than any news organisation has ever attempted. We want to hear the authentic voices of those on the frontline to understand the endless cycle of pressure – whether it be in an accident and emergency unit, an ambulance call centre, a GP surgery, a maternity unit, or a mental health unit. We want to hear the stories of hope, of achievement, of human kindness and patient care.Welcome to the first day of what is probably the most ambitious project the Guardian has ever undertaken. Over the next month, we will use the breadth of our journalistic expertise to get closer to the NHS than any news organisation has ever attempted. We want to hear the authentic voices of those on the frontline to understand the endless cycle of pressure – whether it be in an accident and emergency unit, an ambulance call centre, a GP surgery, a maternity unit, or a mental health unit. We want to hear the stories of hope, of achievement, of human kindness and patient care.
Related: NHS chief to introduce sugar tax in hospitals to tackle UK obesity crisisRelated: NHS chief to introduce sugar tax in hospitals to tackle UK obesity crisis
Fundamentally, we want to answer the question: do we have the NHS we need? We aim to do this though diaries, fly-on-the-wall reporting, interviews, films and data analysis. Whether you work in or are fascinated by the NHS, have a strong personal or family experience, or simply have a passing interest, please join in.Fundamentally, we want to answer the question: do we have the NHS we need? We aim to do this though diaries, fly-on-the-wall reporting, interviews, films and data analysis. Whether you work in or are fascinated by the NHS, have a strong personal or family experience, or simply have a passing interest, please join in.
Our daily email will give you a fresh summary of the best of the previous day’s coverage, outline the plan for the day ahead and explain why we’ve chosen to report on that specific issue. It will also round up the most incisive comment on our coverage so far from our journalists, readers, and health industry experts. Sign up below to make sure you don’t miss out.Our daily email will give you a fresh summary of the best of the previous day’s coverage, outline the plan for the day ahead and explain why we’ve chosen to report on that specific issue. It will also round up the most incisive comment on our coverage so far from our journalists, readers, and health industry experts. Sign up below to make sure you don’t miss out.
The big pictureThe big picture
The National Health Service is arguably the most complex organisation in western Europe. It employs 1.6 million people, making it one of the five largest workforces in the world, alongside the US Department of Defense, McDonald’s, Walmart and the Chinese army.The National Health Service is arguably the most complex organisation in western Europe. It employs 1.6 million people, making it one of the five largest workforces in the world, alongside the US Department of Defense, McDonald’s, Walmart and the Chinese army.
When it was launched in 1948 it had a budget of £437m (about £9bn at today’s value); it now stands at £136.7bn. The statistical story is staggering: last year there were almost 10m operations, 22m visits to A&E, 16m hospital admissions, 82m outpatient visits and almost 2 million people getting help from specialist mental health services. And, of course, it is never out of the headlines.When it was launched in 1948 it had a budget of £437m (about £9bn at today’s value); it now stands at £136.7bn. The statistical story is staggering: last year there were almost 10m operations, 22m visits to A&E, 16m hospital admissions, 82m outpatient visits and almost 2 million people getting help from specialist mental health services. And, of course, it is never out of the headlines.
We asked many readers what they wanted from this project. Some of the most engaging responses concerned balance – covering the good as much as the bad: “I’d like to see both sides of the story, as all we hear about is the failings or pay issues,” said one reader. “What about those patents who have been cared for amazingly, staff who are brilliant at their job and enjoy it?”We asked many readers what they wanted from this project. Some of the most engaging responses concerned balance – covering the good as much as the bad: “I’d like to see both sides of the story, as all we hear about is the failings or pay issues,” said one reader. “What about those patents who have been cared for amazingly, staff who are brilliant at their job and enjoy it?”
So that is what we intend to do, with regular features such as The day the NHS saved my life and My toughest decision. Though our coverage will reflect our readers’ top concerns – the cost of the NHS and mental health – we won’t forget the patients and their experiences.So that is what we intend to do, with regular features such as The day the NHS saved my life and My toughest decision. Though our coverage will reflect our readers’ top concerns – the cost of the NHS and mental health – we won’t forget the patients and their experiences.
Today’s focusToday’s focus
The first day of our project serves as an introduction to the health service and its key resource: its staff.The first day of our project serves as an introduction to the health service and its key resource: its staff.
Jon Henley has spoken to 16 people who work in the NHS in roles from paediatric intensive care consultant to matron to linen assistant. The result is a beautifully photographed series of first-person accounts that make a fitting introduction to our series:Jon Henley has spoken to 16 people who work in the NHS in roles from paediatric intensive care consultant to matron to linen assistant. The result is a beautifully photographed series of first-person accounts that make a fitting introduction to our series:
Britain’s National Health Service is a sprawling, many-layered and infinitely complex thing; an institution famed around the world yet reviled here, at times, as much as it is revered; an organisation so large that the numbers beggar belief.Britain’s National Health Service is a sprawling, many-layered and infinitely complex thing; an institution famed around the world yet reviled here, at times, as much as it is revered; an organisation so large that the numbers beggar belief.
Want to know the history of the NHS? Duncan Campbell, the Guardian’s health policy editor, has produced this 800-word guide to the health service since its founding by Labour’s Aneurin Bevan in 1948 – complete with some cuttings from the Guardian archives.Want to know the history of the NHS? Duncan Campbell, the Guardian’s health policy editor, has produced this 800-word guide to the health service since its founding by Labour’s Aneurin Bevan in 1948 – complete with some cuttings from the Guardian archives.
Related: For a clear view of the NHS, look past the politics and promises of a cure | Polly ToynbeeRelated: For a clear view of the NHS, look past the politics and promises of a cure | Polly Toynbee
Polly Toynbee puts the Guardian’s project in a political context, likening the health service’s current financial strain to “a ligature tightening around its neck”.Polly Toynbee puts the Guardian’s project in a political context, likening the health service’s current financial strain to “a ligature tightening around its neck”.
Reporting on the NHS since I wrote a book about it in 1977, I have watched each health secretary seize a scalpel and begin to operate, all declaring that they are the first to open up this “monolith, unreformed since 1948”. Yet these perpetual political cures are applied before diagnosis or evaluation of the medicine.Reporting on the NHS since I wrote a book about it in 1977, I have watched each health secretary seize a scalpel and begin to operate, all declaring that they are the first to open up this “monolith, unreformed since 1948”. Yet these perpetual political cures are applied before diagnosis or evaluation of the medicine.
You can also read the first instalments of our two daily series:The day the NHS saved my life, and ‘Secret diary’. The first seeks to highlight the personal stories of people who owe their lives to the health service, while the latter will each day grant an insight – (genital) warts and all – into the real working days and weeks of an NHS professional, from paramedics to sexual health doctors.You can also read the first instalments of our two daily series:The day the NHS saved my life, and ‘Secret diary’. The first seeks to highlight the personal stories of people who owe their lives to the health service, while the latter will each day grant an insight – (genital) warts and all – into the real working days and weeks of an NHS professional, from paramedics to sexual health doctors.
This morning we’re also breaking the news that NHS chief Simon Stevens has revealed plans to impose a sugar tax in hospital cafes and vending machines, and local health centres, by 2020. In a wide-ranging interview with Denis Campbell and Paul Johnson to kick off the Guardian’s #thisistheNHS month, Stevens also urged ministers to take radical action against obesity, including forcing food firms to strip sugar out of their products, as part of an unprecedented assault on bad diet.This morning we’re also breaking the news that NHS chief Simon Stevens has revealed plans to impose a sugar tax in hospital cafes and vending machines, and local health centres, by 2020. In a wide-ranging interview with Denis Campbell and Paul Johnson to kick off the Guardian’s #thisistheNHS month, Stevens also urged ministers to take radical action against obesity, including forcing food firms to strip sugar out of their products, as part of an unprecedented assault on bad diet.
Related: The NHS data dashboard: babies born, salaries paid, the winter crisisRelated: The NHS data dashboard: babies born, salaries paid, the winter crisis
There’s no better way to appreciate the scale of the NHS than in numbers. Our singular data team have put together this “data dashboard”, highlighting the key figures such as number of babies born and level of salaries paid. The team will be tracking live figures over the next month in order to chart exactly how acute this year’s winter crisis actually is.There’s no better way to appreciate the scale of the NHS than in numbers. Our singular data team have put together this “data dashboard”, highlighting the key figures such as number of babies born and level of salaries paid. The team will be tracking live figures over the next month in order to chart exactly how acute this year’s winter crisis actually is.
Where we are todayWhere we are today
Each day this week, our intrepid reporter Jessica Elgot will be liveblogging from a different NHS service. Today, she is at St George’s hospital in Tooting – one of the country’s principal teaching hospitals, which serves a population of 1.3 million across south-west London.Each day this week, our intrepid reporter Jessica Elgot will be liveblogging from a different NHS service. Today, she is at St George’s hospital in Tooting – one of the country’s principal teaching hospitals, which serves a population of 1.3 million across south-west London.
Today’s diaryToday’s diary
As part of our attempt to cover the NHS in appropriate depth as well as breadth, Jessica will be speaking to various experts, specialists and key personnel at St George’s, including Marios Papadopoulos, professor of neurosurgery, who will be able to explain some pioneering work on spinal cord injury that is taking place at the teaching hospital. Also being covered will be genetics, clinical trials, and the GUM clinic.As part of our attempt to cover the NHS in appropriate depth as well as breadth, Jessica will be speaking to various experts, specialists and key personnel at St George’s, including Marios Papadopoulos, professor of neurosurgery, who will be able to explain some pioneering work on spinal cord injury that is taking place at the teaching hospital. Also being covered will be genetics, clinical trials, and the GUM clinic.
In the afternoon Jessica will interview Christopher Smallwood, the chairman of the trust that oversees St George’s, who will be able to talk through the singular challenges that face the NHS’s business leaders.In the afternoon Jessica will interview Christopher Smallwood, the chairman of the trust that oversees St George’s, who will be able to talk through the singular challenges that face the NHS’s business leaders.
Also on today’s agenda, Simon Stevens, the NHS England chief executive, is giving evidence to the House of Commons public accounts committee at 4pm. He is due to talk about the financial sustainability of hospitals. We’ll bring you coverage of this, as well as round up the latest health news from the other papers.Also on today’s agenda, Simon Stevens, the NHS England chief executive, is giving evidence to the House of Commons public accounts committee at 4pm. He is due to talk about the financial sustainability of hospitals. We’ll bring you coverage of this, as well as round up the latest health news from the other papers.
Thanks for joining us on day one of our NHS coverage. You can tweet Jessica and me – @jessicaelgot and @marksmith174 – and please join in the conversation with the hashtag #thisistheNHS and below the line. We’ll be monitoring your comments and will feature the best in the blog.Thanks for joining us on day one of our NHS coverage. You can tweet Jessica and me – @jessicaelgot and @marksmith174 – and please join in the conversation with the hashtag #thisistheNHS and below the line. We’ll be monitoring your comments and will feature the best in the blog.
We also hope you sign up to the daily email and stick with us for what will be a fascinating and thought-provoking month.We also hope you sign up to the daily email and stick with us for what will be a fascinating and thought-provoking month.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.35am GMTat 8.35am GMT