Menu
11/03/2004
Reid unveils plan to help sufferers of chronic diseases
A new initiative to help people suffering from long-term chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes has been unveiled by the Health Secretary today.
Under the plans, specialist teams across the country will provide advice, care and treatment for chronic disease – often cutting out the need for visits to GPs and hospitals.
In the UK, there are some 17.5 million people living with chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma. The World Health Organisation estimates that by 2030 the incidence of chronic disease in the over 65s will have doubled.
People with chronic diseases account for up to 80% of GP consultations - around 180 million visits a year, government figures have shown.
Existing chronic disease management schemes in the US have cut hospital admissions among the target group of patients by up to 50% - and these approaches are currently being tested by the NHS.
Speaking at a Guardian conference 'Managing new realities - integrating the care landscape' in Birmingham, John Reid said: "Chronic disease has a huge impact on people's quality of life and on their families, and it consumes a large proportion of health and social care resources. There is a lot happening already, both nationally and locally to introduce better chronic disease management. But this needs to spread. That is why we are launching a programme to establish case management demonstrator sites within each Strategic Health Authority, building on PCTs' existing experience of developing and implementing these approaches."
The results of a pilot of active management of conditions at Castlefields Health Centre (UK) showed a 15% reduction in admissions for older people and the average length of stay fell by 31%, from 6.2 days to 4.3 days.
(gmcg)
Under the plans, specialist teams across the country will provide advice, care and treatment for chronic disease – often cutting out the need for visits to GPs and hospitals.
In the UK, there are some 17.5 million people living with chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma. The World Health Organisation estimates that by 2030 the incidence of chronic disease in the over 65s will have doubled.
People with chronic diseases account for up to 80% of GP consultations - around 180 million visits a year, government figures have shown.
Existing chronic disease management schemes in the US have cut hospital admissions among the target group of patients by up to 50% - and these approaches are currently being tested by the NHS.
Speaking at a Guardian conference 'Managing new realities - integrating the care landscape' in Birmingham, John Reid said: "Chronic disease has a huge impact on people's quality of life and on their families, and it consumes a large proportion of health and social care resources. There is a lot happening already, both nationally and locally to introduce better chronic disease management. But this needs to spread. That is why we are launching a programme to establish case management demonstrator sites within each Strategic Health Authority, building on PCTs' existing experience of developing and implementing these approaches."
The results of a pilot of active management of conditions at Castlefields Health Centre (UK) showed a 15% reduction in admissions for older people and the average length of stay fell by 31%, from 6.2 days to 4.3 days.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 October 2010
Kidney Function Linked To Heart And Brain
People with impaired kidney function are at a higher risk of future stroke than people with normal kidney function, new studies have found. The studies, carried out by the British Medical Association, finds that even the earliest stages of chronic kidney disease are linked to a higher risk of coronary heart disease.
Kidney Function Linked To Heart And Brain
People with impaired kidney function are at a higher risk of future stroke than people with normal kidney function, new studies have found. The studies, carried out by the British Medical Association, finds that even the earliest stages of chronic kidney disease are linked to a higher risk of coronary heart disease.
19 November 2009
Swine Flu Jab For Under-Fives
Healthy children aged under five are to be given the swine flu vaccine, the government has announced.
Swine Flu Jab For Under-Fives
Healthy children aged under five are to be given the swine flu vaccine, the government has announced.
29 May 2009
Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
A new study in The Lancet medical journal has found that healthy people who take aspirin reduced their already small risk of heart attack or stroke by just 12%. However, the small risk of internal bleeding increased by a third.
Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
A new study in The Lancet medical journal has found that healthy people who take aspirin reduced their already small risk of heart attack or stroke by just 12%. However, the small risk of internal bleeding increased by a third.
10 October 2005
Elderly mental health care criticised in new report
Older people suffering from mental health problems are facing a lack of adequate services and age discrimination, a charity report has revealed.
Elderly mental health care criticised in new report
Older people suffering from mental health problems are facing a lack of adequate services and age discrimination, a charity report has revealed.
10 September 2008
Twice As Many Mentally Ill People End Up In Police Custody
Twice as many people are detained in unsuitable police custody for assessment under the Mental Health Act as those taken by the police to hospital for this purpose, according to research published by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) today.
Twice As Many Mentally Ill People End Up In Police Custody
Twice as many people are detained in unsuitable police custody for assessment under the Mental Health Act as those taken by the police to hospital for this purpose, according to research published by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
