MedWorm: British Medical Association (BMA)

Pensions Offer Rejected By British Medical Association

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:00:00 +0100

On January 18, 2010, the British Medical Association (BMA) urged the government to reconsider their plans to make changes to the NHS Pension Scheme after the BMA received an overwhelming call from doctors to reject the proposed changes, with a willingness to take some form of industrial action. After taking into account results of a major survey of 130,000 medical students and doctors, the decision was made at a meeting of BMA Council, the association's governing body. More than 46,000 doctors and medical students responded to the UK-wide survey - a response rate of 36%... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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New website launched for doctors with health concerns

MEDEV News — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:07:08 +0100

The General Medical Council is launching Your Health Matters, a new website for doctors who may be concerned about their own health or that of a colleague. This information provides the first step in this support, helping to provide timely information for doctors who may for health reasons be involved in the GMC's fitness to practise procedures. Clare Gerada, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners and Medical Director of Practitioner Health Programme The website provides case studies showing doctors with a range of health concerns, a testimonial from a doctor who has gone through fitness to practise procedures, and a range of advice on the process. Your Health Matters also provides detailed information about what happens to doctors who are referred to the GMC where the con...

Doctors reject pension reform

FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:55:03 +0100

Almost two-thirds of British Medical Association members were prepared to take industrial action over the government's planned changes (Source: FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare)

Doctors may strike over cuts to their pension pots

Telegraph Health — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:06:20 +0100

British Medical Association, which represents 130,000 doctors and medical students, said two thirds of its members support industrial action which could cripple hospitals and GP surgeries throughout the country. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Local government transition guidance on public health workforce issues

NHS Networks — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The guidance builds on the earlier Public Health HR Concordat, which set out general principles for dealing with staffing issues. This guidance is intended primarily for the use of HR specialists in councils who will be receiving staff. A copy has been sent directly to council leaders. The transition guidance has been developed by the LGA with the help of a small contact group from councils and regional employers as well as the Department of Health and NHS employment experts. Detailed discussions have been held with a group of trade unions, including those recognised in local government as well as the Royal College of Nursing and the British Medical Association. (Source: NHS Networks)

Competent for confidence at 12 years of age?

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The British Medical Association toolkit,1 in keeping with government advice, notes that children of 12 years and over are presumed to be competent to provide their consent for the disclosure of their personal information. This is inconsistent with the rules governing the treatment of children in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Data Protection Act 1998 noted the presumption (in Scottish law) of competence in children of 12 years or over.2 But the guidance of the Information Commissioner3 on the DPA 1998 and subsequently that of the government4 indicated that the Scottish law applied throughout the entire UK. The Information Commissioner's resultant guidance is clear: ‘that a person of 12 years or more shall be presumed to be of sufficient age and maturity to have...understand...

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NHS Pensions, BMA Launches Final Survey Of Its Members, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

About 130,000 BMA Doctors and medical students across the UK will be questioned regarding the government's final offer in negotiations on the future of the NHS pension scheme in a major survey that has been launched by the BMA (British Medical Association). The BMA intends to learn whether the participants' views on the offer are acceptable or not. If they are not acceptable, they want to know what action the participants are prepared to take, which could potentially lead to a formal ballot on industrial action... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

BMA: GPs are being 'bullied' to meet April 2013 commissioning deadline

HSJ — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:43:00 +0100

GPs in some areas are being told to form clinical commissioning groups in time to take over budgets by April 2013, even when they don’t want to, the British Medical Association GPs committee has said. (Source: HSJ)

The mystery of Carole Myers

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:04:10 +0100

When she was found dead at 41, Carole Myers left a statement saying she had suffered Satantic child abuse at the hands of her parents. But did she?At 9.02am Richard Felstead answered the phone; by 9.03am he was breathless with crying. It was the coroner's assistant in Battersea with the news that his sister, Carole, had died two weeks earlier. "I'm sorry it's taken so long to notify you," she said. "Carole's next of kin told us there was no family. But a letter was found – from you."Two minutes later, the phone rang again. A different caller, with a strange voice, said, "I know you're not one of the ones that harmed Carole.""Who are you?" said Richard."I'm Carole's next of kin.""What's your name?""That's not important.""How did Carole die?""She had a very difficult childhood.""What? No s...

Infant male circumcision is genital mutilation | Martin Robbins

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:44:00 +0100

Men should have the right to choose circumcision, not have the choice forced upon them. Infant circumcision without consent or immediate medical justification is an unjustified violation of basic human rights, that shares more in common with ancient coming-of-age rituals than responsible medical practiceThere are still many people who like to pretend that infant circumcision and genital mutilation are not the same thing. Some of them apparently work at Indonesia's health ministry, the Departemen Kesehatan, who recently issued guidelines for 'safe' female circumcision and wheeled out a spokeswoman to dispense the following words of wisdom: "I would like to stress that female circumcision is not genital mutilation, which is indeed dangerous. They are two things that are very different." This...

BMA: GPs want CCGs big enough to avoid outsourcing of commissioning

HSJ — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:16:00 +0100

The British Medical Association has said clinical commissioning groups should “urgently review and where necessary change their structures” so they are big enough to host their own support staff. (Source: HSJ)

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New Comissioning Structure - Large Companies Would Have In-Built Advantage, Says BMA, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0100

On Nov. 22 the British Medical Association (BMA) stated that the governments new proposals would provide the commercial sector with an in-build advantage in the commissioning support process. Numerous recommendations regarding how clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) should operate from 2013, as well as how the "back-office" and technical functions should be provided, are in the draft guidance from the Department of Health - "Developing commissioning support: Towards service excellence"... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

BMA has 'misunderstood' gov plans

Management in Practice — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:30:00 +0100

The British Medical Association (BMA) has "misunderstood" commissioning support plans (Source: Management in Practice)

Genital warts vaccination to be offered to schoolgirls

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:38:30 +0100

Doctors welcome news and predict that genital warts could be eradicated among heterosexuals within 20 yearsSchoolgirls across the UK will be offered immunisation against genital warts, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, in a move welcomed by doctors.It will expand the existing vaccination against cervical cancer for 12- and 13-year-olds.The change will take place at the start of the next school year in August and September 2012. All 12- and 13-year-old schoolgirls will be offered a vaccine called Gardasil, which protects against the two strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV) that cause 70% of cervical cancers and also two other strains that produce 90% of genital warts.It will replace Cervarix, which has been used since immunisation began in 2008 but only offers pr...

New institute to help narrow the health gap

NHS Networks — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The UCL Institute of Health Equity, which will be led by Professor Sir Michael Marmot, will receive £1 million funding from the Department of Health over the next three years to take forward action that will reduce health inequalities in England. The Institute, which will be independent, will also be supported by UCL, the British Medical Association and independently commissioned projects. The UCL Institute of Health Equity will collect the latest evidence, provide expert advice and share best practice both locally and internationally. It will build on previous world-renowned research and reviews led by Professor Marmot such as The Whitehall Study and the Fair Society, Healthy Lives review, which underpinned the recent public health white paper. (Source: NHS Networks)

BMA Scotland rejects pension reform

Management in Practice — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:01:00 +0100

The British Medical Association (BMA) in Scotland has branded the proposed changes to the NHS pension scheme as a “barely concealed tax” on health workers (Source: Management in Practice)

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UK doctors call for ban on smoking in cars

USATODAY.com Health — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:30:56 +0100

The British Medical Association wants the government to ban smoking at all times in cars, a step that would go beyond regulations elsewhere. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

Doctors call for smoking ban in cars, even if you're on you're own

the Mail online | Health — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:24:35 +0100

The British Medical Association is calling on the Government to bring in the ‘bold and courageous’ ban for reasons of health rather than road safety. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Smoking ban for cars? British doctors say yes

Health News: CBSNews.com — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:08:55 +0100

British Medical Association call for ban with report saying cars' confined spaces expose occupants to concentrated levels of toxic smoke (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Ban Smoking In Motor Vehicles Urge UK Doctors

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0100

The British Medical Association is calling for a total ban on smoking in private motor vehicles, setting out what it describes as "compelling evidence" to support such a move to protect the health of the public, and vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly in particular. In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the voluntary professional association, which counts two-thirds of practising UK doctors among its members, said it has prepared a briefing paper that shows how people are vulnerable to the toxic effects of second-hand smoke in cars... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

U.K. doctors call for a ban on smoking in cars

CTV Health — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:11:55 +0100

The British Medical Association is calling on the government to ban smoking at all times in cars, a step that would go beyond regulations elsewhere. (Source: CTV Health)

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BMA calls for smoking ban in cars

Nursing in Practice — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:07:00 +0100

The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for a “bold” UK-wide ban on smoking in cars (Source: Nursing in Practice)

Doctors call for ban on smoking in cars

NHS News Feed — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:08:00 +0100

“Doctors want to ban smoking in cars… even if you’re on your own,” the Daily Mail has reported. The Mail and most other newspapers and news broadcasters covered the call from the British Medical Association (BMA) for a government ban on drivers and passengers smoking in private vehicles. In a briefing paper from its board of science, the BMA argues that there is strong evidence that smoking in cars exposes non-smokers to high levels of secondhand smoke (SHS), with about 23 times more toxins than in a smoky bar. A blanket ban on smoking in cars, it argues, would protect vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, who often have no choice about taking a journey in a smoky vehicle. The BMA’s report also highlighted the risk of injury and death from road traffic accidents as ...

GP Consortia Commissioning: Initial Observations

Hospital Management — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

This white paper, presented by the British Medical Association (BMA), provides a set of principles and practical observations that General Practitioners and Local Medical Committees (LMC) should explore. (Source: Hospital Management)

Pensions Day Of Action - British Medical Association Prepares

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:00:00 +0100

Doctors wanting to show their support for the 30 November Day of Action on public sector pensions are provided with new campaign resources issued by the BMA entitled 'Fair Treatment for NHS Pensions'. The BMA has launched an online campaign toolkit to encourage doctors to use the press and social media to voice their concerns. Although the BMA sees the Treasury's latest announcement as a possible step in the right direction in terms of the government's willingness to negotiate, the fact remains clear that doctors would still pay substantially more and work longer for an inferior pension... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Â£13,000 More Debt From Low Income Medical Students, Says British Medical Association

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0100

According to a BMA report, medical students from low-income backgrounds are graduating with over Â£13,000 more debt compared to their better off fellow students. These perturbing findings have been discovered in the BMA's Medical Student Finance Survey (2010/2011), that questioned over 2,800 medical students. It raises concerns regarding the government's plans to widen access to medicine from low-income groups... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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New Public Health Body Should Be Independent From Government, Says BMA, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0100

On Wednesday 2 November, the British Medical Association (BMA) agreed with the Health Select Committee's request that the new public health body must be independent of the government, a request they have been calling for since the publication of the government's White Paper on public health, Healthy Lives, Healthy People, in November 2010. According to the report, the committee concludes that Public Health England (PHE) must act and be perceived as independent of the government... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Health And Social Care Bill - British Medical Association Says What Changes Are Needed

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:00:00 +0100

Further changes to the Health and Social Care Bill in order to mitigate damage to the health service were published by the BMA as the legislation reaches the Lords Committee Stage. The BMA addresses eleven areas of continuing concern in its latest briefing paper, including: It should be the Secretary of State's duty to ensure effective systems are in place to deliver medical education and training... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Major GP Opinion Survey Published By British Medical Association

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:00:00 +0100

On Monday 24th October 2011, the British Medical Association (BMA) published the concluding results of their major survey of GP opinion. The results revealed that GPs opinions and concerns regarding the major issues the general practice face are outstandingly clear. The BMA survey, conducted in April 2011, questioned every GP in the UK on issues, such as morale, workload and the possible changes occurring in primary care due to the Health and Social Care Bill. 18,757 (40%) of 46,700 GPs responded, making it the most considerable survey of its kind in recent years... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

BMA Says A Rise In NHS Pension Contributions Is Misguided And Unjust

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:00:00 +0100

According to the British Medical Association (BMA) it is unfair and misguided to increase NHS Pension Scheme contributions over the next three years by up to 6%. Their statement is in response to the government consultation on contribution increases to the NHS Pension Scheme from 2012. Furthermore, the BMA express annoyance at the government's unwillingness to participate into important negotiations with unions on their plan for NHS pensions... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Reforms must change to 'mitigate damage' - BMA chair

HSJ — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:56:00 +0100

The British Medical Association has said significant changes to NHS reforms are still required to “mitigate the damage” they will cause, as peers prepared to debate afresh the government proposals. (Source: HSJ)

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BMA 'alarmed' about CCGs excluding some GPs and LMCs

HSJ — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:52:00 +0100

The British Medical Association GPs committee chair is “becoming increasingly alarmed” by how clinical commissioning groups are developing, he has said in a letter to GPs. (Source: HSJ)

Health bill must be "withdrawn or substantially amended"

NHS Networks — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In a letter to peers, the British Medical Association (BMA) chairman of council, Dr Hamish Meldrum, stated that the bill will “make it harder to create the seamless, efficient care that everyone agrees is key to future sustainability”. The BMA has specified that it recognises that some of the proposals, such as giving more control to clinicians and patients, could create positive change in the health service, though it still remains fundamentally opposed to the reform bill as a whole. Dr Meldrum stated that “on balance, the BMA still believes the Bill, as it currently stands, poses an unacceptably high risk to the NHS in England”. (Source: NHS Networks)

Elsevier congratulates editors of Stem Cells: Scientific Facts and Fiction upon receipt of awards

EurekAlert! - Biology — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Elsevier Science & Technology Books) Elsevier, the world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, congratulates editors Christine Mummery, Ian Sir Wilmut, Anja van de Stolpe, and Bernard Roelen, whose new book, Stem Cells: Scientific Facts and Fiction, has received the British Medical Association Book Award's First Prize in the category of Basic and Clinical Sciences, as well as the BMA Board of Science Award for the Public Understanding of Science. The awards were announced on Sept. 14t at BMA House in London. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

Circumcision Ethics and Economics

Psychology Today Parenting Center — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 16:20:01 +0100

Infant circumcision is an ethical issue that has lifelong effects on the child and societal costs.No medical association in the world recommends routine infant circumcision. None. The American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on Circumcision says: Primary Topic: Ethics and Morality read more (Source: Psychology Today Parenting Center)

BMA will not ballot on strike action

Nursing in Practice — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:50:00 +0100

The British Medical Association (BMA) has decided it is “not appropriate” to ballot its members on strike action over pension reforms “at this point” (Source: Nursing in Practice)

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BMA ups anti-Health Bill campaign

Management in Practice — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:27:00 +0100

The British Medical Association (BMA) has pledged to up its anti-Health and Social Care Bill lobbying activity ahead of its second reading in the House of Lords (Source: Management in Practice)

Referral falls could cause financial difficulty for hospitals - BMA

HSJ — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:21:00 +0100

Hospitals could suffer “financial problems” as a result of GPs referring fewer patients, the British Medical Association warns today, after new figures showed the number of referrals has fallen by 4.7 per cent since the beginning of April. (Source: HSJ)

BMA 'skewed list' warning over boundaries

Management in Practice — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:35:00 +0100

The abolition of catchment areas could destabilise general practices, a British Medical Association representative claims (Source: Management in Practice)

Health and Social Care Bill returns to Parliament

NeLM - News — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: Department of Health (DH) Area: News The Department of Health has issued a press release announcing the return of the Health and Social Care Bill to Parliament, following the summer recess. The Bill has so far spent longer being scrutinised than any Public Bill between 1997 and 2010 - 40 Committee sittings, and over 100 hours of debate. It will now continue the legislative process. Criticism of the proposed changes continues, and various news agencies have reported on this. According to PharmaTimes, the chairman of council at the British Medical Association (BMA) has written a letter to MPs, saying that the proposed reforms still present an "unacceptably high risk to the NHS," and that they threaten the Service's "ability to operate effectively and equitably...

Government hits back over BMA 'high risk reform' claims

HSJ — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:19:00 +0100

A call by the British Medical Association for the government to withdraw or further amend its health reforms, which they say pose an “unacceptably high risk to the NHS”, has been described as “disappointing” by the DH. (Source: HSJ)

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Examining reports and policies on cognitive enhancement: approaches, rationale, and recommendations.

Accountability in Research — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Outram SM, Racine E Abstract The phenomenon of cognitive enhancement is attracting attention in bioethics literature and beyond, in public policy. In response, three bodies?the British Medical Association (BMA); the Commission de l'?thique de la Science et de la technologie (CEST) du Qu?bec; the American Academy of Neurology (AAN)?have produced reports and guidance on this topic. To gain insights into different public policy approaches, rationales, and recommendations on the topic, we analyzed these reports in depth. We found convergence on the definition (with the exception of the CEST) of cognitive enhancement. However, we noted a lack of critical reflection with respect to the underlying rationale for developing these reports, i.e., that cognitive enhancement practices ...

Ethics briefings

Journal of Medical Ethics — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Female genital mutilation: UK Earlier this year the UK government published comprehensive multi-agency guidance to tackle and prevent female genital mutilation (FGM).1 In response to this, the British Medical Association (BMA) has undertaken a significant revision of its main guidance on FGM to focus on the role of doctors in eradicating the practice. FGM is a collective term used for a range of practices involving the removal or alteration of parts of healthy female genitalia for non-therapeutic reasons. The WHO has described FGM as ‘a form of violence against girls and women that has serious physical and psychological consequences which adversely affect health and is a reflection of discrimination against women and girls’.2 Different degrees of mutilation are practised by a v...

The cutting edge of surgery 100 years ago.

British Journal of Hospital Medicine — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ellis H A useful way of reading about practice in any branch of medicine in the not too distant past is to look up the reports of the proceedings of the various sections of the British Medical Association Scientific Meeting for the year in question. So, to find out the topics which were interesting surgeons 100 years ago, you need go no further than the relevant pages in the second volume of the British Medical Journal for 1911. PMID: 21841593 [PubMed - in process] (Source: British Journal of Hospital Medicine)

Pensions Contributions Hike Is A Tax On NHS Staff, British Medical Association Says

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0100

Commenting on today's announcement from the Treasury on public sector pensions, and specific proposals for increased contributions for NHS staff in 2012-13, Dr Hamish Meldrum, Chairman of Council at the BMA, said: "This isn't about making the NHS pension sustainable in the long term, it already is. This is simply a tax on public sector workers. The NHS scheme is already affordable, yet the government is asking doctors to pay hundreds of thousands of pounds more for a worse deal on retirement." "The NHS pension is currently delivering a massive surplus to the Treasury... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Protecting Vulnerable Adults, New Guidance For Doctors, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0100

The British Medical Association (BMA) has issued new guidance for general practitioners called "Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults - A Toolkit For General Practitioners". The BMA stresses that the guidelines apply to any professional who works in health care settings with vulnerable adults, even though it is primarily aimed at GPs. The BMA was commissioned by the DoH (Department of Health) in England to produce the new document, because of "a lack of clarity in this increasingly complex area." According to the new guidance, physicians have an obligation to protect vulnerable adults... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Michael White: see you later, innovator

HSJ — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:00:00 +0100

Oh dear. The British Medical Association is promising health ministers a long hot summer over the Health Bill, instead of a few calm weeks for leisurely reflection; this is in the misplaced hope that the medics can force its withdrawal before the bill goes to the obstreperous Lords. (Source: HSJ)

British Medical Association issues warning about Facebook

Hospital IT Europe — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:19:00 +0100

British Medical Association warns doctors against accepting patient Facebook requests (Source: Hospital IT Europe)

British Medical Association warns against patient Facebook requests

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:34:07 +0100

Source: Molly Merrill, Healthcare IT News Content: “The British Medical Association has issued new guidance to doctors and medical students, advising them not to accept Facebook requests from current or former patients. According to the guidance, “Using social media: practical and ethical guidance for doctors and medical students,” problems can occur if the boundaries in the [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

BMA warns against Facebook ad other social media friends

NeLM - News — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: E-Health Insider Area: News E-Health Insider reports that the British Medical Association (BMA) has warned that doctors can risk their privacy, damage their professionalism and put the doctor-patient relationship at risk by using social media. The BMA has developed and issued guidance to doctors and medical students on use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and internet forums. The guidance advises doctors not to accept Facebook requests from current or former patients and advises them to consider adopting conservative privacy settings where they are available but to be aware that not all information can be protected on the web. It also emphasises that doctors and medical students who post online have an ethical obligation to declare any conflicts of interests and re...

British Medical Association Reacts To Government Response To The Public Health White Paper Consultation For England

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:00:00 +0100

Tackling health time-bombs, such as high rates of obesity, alcohol misuse and sexually transmitted infections, should be placed high on the government's health agenda, but concerns still remain about how these will be best tackled, warns the BMA, in its response to the government's public health update(1) "Healthy Lives, Healthy People" published today. The public health specialist workforce is also facing cuts in many areas of the country and this could put the government's ambitious plans to address the nation's health at risk... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Medics warned over social network sites

Nursing in Practice — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:48:00 +0100

The British Medical Association has issued new guidance to doctors and nurses on the use of social networking sites (Source: Nursing in Practice)

BMA UK Renews Support For Presumed Consent For Organ Donation

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Doctors today renewed their support for changing the UK's organ donation system from informed to presumed consent. It follows a debate at the British Medical Association (BMA) annual conference in Cardiff called for by Swansea-based Dr Sharon Blackford who proposed a motion that the BMA change the position held for more than a decade. A number of medics expressed concern that the stance could damage patient trust or "turn people off"Â� donation... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

BMA chair: we won 'unprecedented' change to bill

HSJ — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The British Medical Association chair of council has declared a cautious victory on NHS reform at its annual representative meeting. (Source: HSJ)

Stop libel law gagging scientific debate, says ARM (British Medical Association News, 2 July 2011)

Society for Endocrinology — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0100

British Medical Association (BMA) members have voted to support reform of UK libel laws at their Annual Representatives Meeting (ARM) in Cardiff. Full article Follow the libel reform campaign at www.libelreform.org. (Source: Society for Endocrinology)

BMA delegates reject revised NHS plans

NeLM - News — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: BBC Health Area: News According to a report by BBC Health, delegates at the annual British Medical Association (BMA) conference have voted in favour (59%) of calling for the Health and Social Care Bill to be withdrawn. Despite initially welcoming some of the Government's recommended changes to the Health and Social Care Bill, made in response to the Future Forum report, delegates at the BMA said they were still not satisfied; this is despite calls from the leader Dr Hamish Meldrum not to vote in favour of a series of critical motions, who told the conference "if you push too far you may lose some of the ground you have taken". (Source: NeLM - News)

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Medical and dental student funding and finance

NHS Networks — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley wrote to the British Medical Association, the British Dental Association and Universities UK, detailing tuition fee funding for medical and dental students starting their courses in autumn 2012. (Source: NHS Networks)

Meldrum: reform changes 'more than a respray'

HSJ — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 19:49:00 +0100

The British Medical Association council chair has said the government’s changes to its NHS plans are “more than a respray job”. (Source: HSJ)

Doctors Reaffirm Support For An 'Opt Out' System Of Organ Donation, Scotland

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0100

Doctors have today [Tuesday 28th June 2011] reaffirmed their support forthe introduction of a system of presumed consent for organ donation following a debate at the British Medical Association's (BMA) Annual Representatives Meeting in Cardiff. Under presumed consent [1], also known as an opt-out system, all people are assumed to be willing to donate their organs unless they have opted out. The BMA reaffirmed its support by defeating a motion [2] which called on the Association to reconsider its policy... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Health and Social Care Bill: Doctors reject NHS revised reforms saying it is still 'one of the biggest social injustices'

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:04:21 +0100

Members of the British Medical Association backed a motion calling for the bill to be scrapped at a meeting in London today, saying the Government could not be trusted. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Avoid 'slash and burn' approach to spending cuts - BMA

HSJ — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:05:00 +0100

NHS chiefs should avoid undertaking “slash and burn” cuts in their bid to save money, the British Medical Association has said. (Source: HSJ)

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NHS budgets at risk from 'tribal politics'

HSJ — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:30:00 +0100

The British Medical Association in Scotland has said politicians will need to rise above “mere accountancy” and “tribal politics” to think seriously about the long-term survival of the NHS. (Source: HSJ)

Doctors reject revised NHS plans

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:56:13 +0100

Representatives of the British Medical Association have voted to continue their call that the Health and Social Care Bill for England be withdrawn. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Doctors' Leader Sends A Warning Shot Across Bows Of Scottish Government

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Addressing the Annual Conference of the British Medical Association in Cardiff yesterday, Dr Brian Keighley, Chairman of the BMA in Scotland warned the Scottish Government that the profession would not tolerate sustained attacks on doctors terms and conditions and urged the government to work with doctors to navigate through the difficult times ahead. Dr Keighley said: "First and foremost this government must admit that even with the protection of the health budget, promised during the recent election, the NHS faces tough times and that means tough choices... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

BMA chair claims reform victory

HSJ — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:14:00 +0100

The British Medical Association chair of council has declared a cautious victory on NHS reform at the union’s annual representative meeting. (Source: HSJ)

Doctors 'prefer Wales to England'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 05:48:41 +0100

NHS changes mean a strong majority of doctors prefer working in Wales to England, the British Medical Association Cymru claims. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

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Health reforms could erode trusts in doctors, hears BMA

Telegraph Health — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 13:17:58 +0100

Trust in doctors is likely to be eroded by the Government's health reforms, the annual conference of the British Medical Association (BMA) will hear today (MON). (Source: Telegraph Health)

Drinks firm Diageo funds pregnancy health initiative

NeLM - News — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: BBC Health Area: News According to a report by BBC Health, the drinks company Diageo is to pay for 10,000 midwives in England and Wales to be trained to offer advice on the risks of consuming alcohol during pregnancy. The Department of Health hopes the training initiative, part of government's 'responsibility deal', will help more than one million expectant mothers over three years. The training programme will be run by the National Organisation for Foetal Alcohol Syndrome UK (Nofas-UK). A spokesperson from the British Medical Association has raised concerns over the scheme, saying that there is a conflict of interest. Please see the full report, at the link below, for further details. (Source: NeLM - News)

BMA GP chief: Prime minister NHS changes 'welcome'

HSJ — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:43:00 +0100

British Medical Association GP representatives have voted to reserve judgement on the government’s NHS reform until full details of its U-turn are clear. (Source: HSJ)

NHS reforms behind GP retirement plans

HSJ — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:29:00 +0100

More than half of GPs planning to retire in the next two years have cited NHS reform as a reason for them going, early findings from a major British Medical Association survey suggest. (Source: HSJ)

Government Health Reforms Prompt GPs Into Retirement, Finds Major British Medical Association Survey

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Over half of GPs planning to retire in the next two years say NHS reforms are a reason for them going, according to preliminary findings1 from a major BMA survey published today (Thursday 9 June 2011) ahead of the start of the annual GP conference of Local Medical Committees (LMCs)2. The BMA survey, which asked GPs about their working practices as well as a range of questions relating to current government health policy, was sent to every GP in the UK in April... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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British Medical Association Scotland Comment On 'highly Critical' Review Of Community Health Partnerships

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Commenting on the Audit Scotland review of Community Health Partnerships (CHPs), published today, Dr Dean Marshall, Chairman of the BMA's Scottish General Practitioners Committee, said: "This is a highly critical report which confirms our experience of the management and performance of these organisations. It is deeply disturbing that, with responsibility for such a significant sum of NHS funding [around Â£3 billion] and despite the many bureaucrats that work for these organisations, their financial management, strategy and governance is so poor... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Health Bill Must Not Undermine Patients' Trust In Doctors, Says British Medical Association

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Launching guidance for shadow consortia on how to ensure transparency and probity, the BMA today said the government must remove performance-related bonuses for consortia from the health bill as it could undermine patient trust. In the latest of a series of guidance documents for GPs the BMA's GPs Committee sets out how consortia can ensure their governance arrangements have the confidence and trust of the public. It also calls on the government to scrap the proposal to pay consortia a performance-related payment if they perform well financially... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

British Medical Association Calls For Major Amendments To Health Bill

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 25 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The Health and Social Care Bill should be withdrawn or at least undergo major changes, the BMA says today, as it warns that the latest feedback from its members on the reforms to the English NHS indicates very high levels of concern. In its formal submission to the NHS Future Forum, the body leading the government's listening exercise on the reforms, the BMA says the legislation represents "an enormous risk" during a time of huge financial pressure for the NHS... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

British Medical Association Comment On Public Accounts Committee Report

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 25 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Commenting on today's report from the Public Accounts Committee on the impact of the 2007-08 changes to public service pensions, Dr Andrew Dearden, Chairman of the BMA's Pensions Committee, said: "The NHS pension scheme is fair to both the tax-paying public and NHS employees, and financially sustainable in the long term. As the Public Accounts Committee points out, the radical overhaul it underwent in 2008 is bringing substantial savings to taxpayers, with costs set to continue to decrease well into the future... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

British Medical Association and NHS Confederation publish their responses to the Health bill

NeLM - News — Wed, 25 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: NHS Confederation, British Medical Association Area: News The British Medical Association (BMA) and NHS Confederation have both published their submissions to the NHS Future Forum, which is overseeing the Government's listening exercise on the Health and Social Care Bill. The documents outline the groups' views on the aspects which have merit, their concerns regarding the proposals, and the priority areas that they suggest should be amended. Please see the links below for further details. (Source: NeLM - News)

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Health reforms won't work without major changes, say King's Fund and BMA

BMJ Online First — Wed, 25 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The health think tank the King’s Fund and the British Medical Association have both urged the government to radically rethink its Health and Social Care Bill, with the BMA reiterating its view... (Source: BMJ Online First)

Academic Shortage Threatens Medical Education And Research, Warns British Medical Association

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 19 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

A shortage of medical academics is threatening to undermine the UK's vital clinical research base and leave some medical schools struggling to teach their students, the leader of the country's medical academics will say today. The warning, from Professor Michael Rees, Co-Chair of the BMA's Medical Academic Staff Committee, will be delivered in his keynote speech to delegates at the Conference of Medical Academic Representatives (COMAR) in London... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Bike To Work Week And Reduce Heart Disease Risk By Half

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 19 May 2011 18:00:00 +0100

According to the British Medical Association, cycling just 20 miles a week can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 50%. A major study of 10,000 civil servants suggested that those who cycled 20 miles over the period of a week were half as likely to suffer heart disease as their non-cycling colleagues. In the interest of health, emission control and overall the launch of warm weather in the United States, The League of American Bicyclists is the national sponsor of Bike Month, and this year Bike to Work Week is May 16-20 and Bike to Work Day is officially Friday, May 20... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

BMA Launches Online Toolkit And Guide To Ethical Procurement

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 18 May 2011 14:00:00 +0100

In a bid to improve the conditions of millions of workers in the global supply chain that furnishes the UK's National Health Service (NHS) with goods and services worth some Â£30bn a year, the British Medical Association (BMA) and partners have published an online ethical procurement guide and toolkit. The Ethical Procurement for Health workbook is the product of a partnership between the BMA, the Department of Health and the Ethical Trade Initiative, an alliance of companies, trade unions and voluntary organisations... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Senior Policy Executive, British Medical Association

Society for Endocrinology — Wed, 18 May 2011 12:00:00 +0100

The British Medical Association (BMA) is looking to recruit a Senior Policy Executive (salary £37,368) to provide high level strategic and tactical support to the various committees and working groups of the Junior Doctors committee. The successful applicant will be responsible for managing policy projects, preparing, researching, and drafting policy papers; project managing committee negotiations, and representing committees and the Association at various internal and external forums. Applicants should have substantial experience of policy development and managing committees, and should be highly skilled in influencing and negotiating. You should also have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of the NHS structure and major NHS issues is advantageous. The c...

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Ethical procurement guide launched by BMA

HSJ — Tue, 17 May 2011 10:39:00 +0100

The British Medical Association has unveiled a new online ethical procurement guide in a bid to improve purchasing habits within the NHS. (Source: HSJ)

Homeopathy Is 'dangerous And Wasteful' Says Abertay Expert

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 10 May 2011 07:00:00 +0100

A bioethics expert from the University of Abertay Dundee has denounced the public funding of homeopathy at a time where Scotland's health budget is under unprecedented pressure. Speaking in the esteemed journal 'Bioethics', Dr Kevin Smith says that Homeopathy is 'ethically unacceptable' and should be 'actively rejected' by healthcare and education providers. Despite heavy criticism from the medical community including the British Medical Association, homeopathic treatments continue to be available on the NHS... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

NHS Restucturing At Time Of Financial Crisis Is Risky - British Medical Association Comment On PAC Report

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In a report published on today, the Committee of Public Accounts has warned that the reorganisation of the NHS in England could "make the challenge of achieving savings for reinvestment even tougher." Commenting on the report, Dr Hamish Meldrum, Chairman of Council at the BMA, said: "Having already been set the massive challenge of cutting costs by Â£20 billion, the NHS in England is now facing the most fundamental reorganisation in its history. The Public Accounts Committee is right to highlight the risks posed by such a massive restructuring at a time of financial crisis... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

GPC guide to leadership in commissioning consortia

NHS Networks — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This guidance from the General Practitioners’ Committee of the British Medical Association highlights how the nature of clinical leadership in clinically-led commissioning consortia will need to change. (Source: NHS Networks)

VIDEO: BMA: NHS in 'continuous reform'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:43:09 +0100

Dr Mark Porter, who represents hospital consultants for the British Medical Association, says he hopes the government will start to reflect on why so many people are opposed to changes in the Health and Social Care bill. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

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Climate Change Threatens Global Security, Warn Medical And Military Leaders

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Medical and military leaders have come together today to warn that climate change not only spells a global health catastrophe, but also threatens global stability and security. "Climate change poses an immediate and grave threat, driving ill-health and increasing the risk of conflict, such that each feeds upon the other," they write in an editorial published on bmj.com today. Their views come ahead of an open meeting on these issues to be held at the British Medical Association on 20 June 2011... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Doctors urged to take climate leadership role

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 22:30:00 +0100

Military and medical experts call on doctors to use their position of trust in society to build support for action on climate changeDoctors must take a leading role in highlighting the dangers of climate change, which will lead to conflict, disease and ill-health, and threatens global security, according to a stark warning from an unusual alliance of physicians and military leaders.Writing in the British Medical Journal on Tuesday, a group of military and medical experts, including two rear admirals and two professors of health, sent out an urgent message to governments around the world. "Climate change poses an immediate and grave threat, driving ill-health and increasing the risk of conflict, such that each feeds upon the other," said the authors, Lionel Jarvis, surgeon rear admiral at t...

Doctors' leaders call for public health to remain part of the NHS

NeLM - News — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: BMJ Area: News According to a report published online in the British Medical Journal, the British Medical Association (BMA) has issued its official response to the government's white paper on public health, saying that the health service could be dangerously fragmented and damaged unless public health remains part of the NHS under the control of a single public health agency. The response calls for the government to reconsider its proposals, which have reportedly caused great anxiety among the public health community. The BMA is proposing a model in which all public health specialist staff would be transferred to a single public health agency, which would be an NHS organisation, and which would second them to local authorities. This agency would include all ...

British Medical Association criticises unethical pay

MEDEV News — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:51:45 +0100

Dr Laurence Buckman of the BMA has criticised the Quality Premium plans to reward GPs financially if they perform well as unethical (Source: MEDEV News)

The ethics of caring for older people (2nd edn). By British Medical Association. Wiley‐Blackwell, 2009. Pages: 136

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:52:35 +0100

(Source: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry)

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Alzheimer's Society calls for dementia checks for all at 75 years

NeLM - Mental Health — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: BBC Health News Area: News According to a report by BBC Health, the Alzheimer's Society is calling for dementia checks for people when they reach 75 years, in order to improve diagnosis of the condition and identify those who need help. The charity's director of research is proposing that people be offered a cognitive test at their GP surgery, supported by an interview with a relative or carer, with referral to a specialist for full clinical assessment if dementia is suspected. The UK National Screening Committee first examined dementia screening in 2009 and concluded that the initial checks are not yet sufficiently reliable. The committee's programme director suggests that for the time being the money for screening "would be better spent on research, f...

British Medical Association Comment On King's Fund Inquiry Into General Practice

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0100

Commenting on the King's Fund report "Improving the Quality of Care in General Practice", released today, Dr Laurence Buckman, Chairman of the BMA's GPs Committee, said: "We are pleased the King's Fund report recognises the importance of generalism and that most practices provide good quality care. Recent research has shown that patient satisfaction with general practice has been increasing. "Like the King's Fund we believe that "continuity of care" is very important and GPs should strive to offer this to their patients, particularly those with complex and long-term needs... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

GPs are blamed for cancer care referral lottery

the Mail online | Health — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:38:54 +0100

Dr Laurence Buckman from the British Medical Association said removing bureaucracy would help tackle a 35-fold variation in referral rates nationwide. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

King's Fund Inquiry Into General Practice, BMA Comments, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Dr Laurence Buckman, Chairman of the BMA's (British Medical Association's) GPs Committee, said regarding the King's Fund report "Improving the Quality of Care in General Practice", released today (Thursday 24 March 2011): "We are pleased the King's Fund report recognises the importance of generalism and that most practices provide good quality care. Recent research has shown that patient satisfaction with general practice has been increasing... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

BMA calls for health bill to be withdrawn; Liberal Democrats oppose reforms

NeLM - News — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Source: BMJ, BBC Health , E-Health Insider, Pulse Area: News A number of news sources have today reported on a Special Representative Meeting held by the British Medical Association (BMA), where attendants voted 'overwhelmingly' for the new health bill legislation to be withdrawn. Doctors at the meeting said that the proposals outlined in the white paper were too extreme, too rushed and would negatively impact on patient care. A call to oppose the Bill in its entirety was however narrowly lost, with 54% of representatives voting against this motion. This followed an appeal by the BMA Council Chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum for representatives to allow negotiators to try to continue to influence the reforms. He said that rejecting the Bill in its entirety woul...

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Cameron rules out Tory retreat on health reform

FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 21:57:08 +0100

The British Medical Association has compounded the government's political difficulties by demanding that the bill to implement the plans to reform the NHS be dropped (Source: FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare)

BMA votes against rejecting entire Health Bill

HSJ — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:48:00 +0100

The British Medical Association has voted not to reject the entire health bill in a secret ballot. (Source: HSJ)

Doctors gunning for Health Secretary Andrew Lansley over NHS reforms

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:26:56 +0100

Some 350 delegates have been summoned to London for an emergency British Medical Association meeting to discuss motions critical of the Health Secretary’s policies. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Tuesday 15 March

Royal College of Nursing News Alert — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Doctors are to debate toughening their opposition to the government's plans to overhaul the NHS in England. Some 350 delegates will come together today to attend an emergency meeting of the British Medical Association (BMA) amid grassroots anger about the plans which could see increased competition. BMA leader Dr Hamish Meldrum said doctors were worried about the "very dangerous" plans. The Department of Health said it wanted to "work closely" with the BMA and was committed to the future of the NHS. (Source: Royal College of Nursing News Alert)

Is Andrew Lansley 'screaming inside'?

HSJ — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:21:00 +0100

A commissioning consortium in the west country declares it “does not believe in the purchaser-provider split”, the Foundation Trust Network warns of “serious financial stress” and the membership of the British Medical Association warms up to declare outright opposition to the Health Bill. (Source: HSJ)

BMA Doctor's 'Back To The 1930s' Comment On Health Reforms Is Spot On, Says Unite, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:00:00 +0100

A top British Medical Association (BMA) doctor's analysis that the NHS 'reforms' risk returning health services to the 1930s is spot on, said Unite, the largest union in the country, yesterday. Unite, which embraces the Medical Practitioners Union (MPU), welcomed the comments of Dr Mark Porter, the chairman of the BMA's hospital consultants committee who said that the government wished to turn back the clock to the 1930s and 1940s, when there were private, charitable and co-operative providers... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Doctors slam UK prescription charge "lottery"

Multiple Sclerosis Trust — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The British Medical Association (BMA) has renewed its call for England to abolish prescription charges, after it was announced that they will rise from £7.20 to £7.40 on April 1 and Scotland abolishes them altogether. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)

Time To Abolish Prescription Charges, Not Increase Them, Says British Medical Association

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Doctors' leaders renewed their calls yesterday for prescription charges to be abolished in England as the government announced plans to increase charges from Â£7.20 to Â£7.40. Dr Hamish Meldrum, Chairman of BMA Council, said: "The government should not be increasing prescription charges; it should be following the lead set by the three other nations in the UK and making plans to abolish them. "The current system is a chaotic and unfair mess. Patients in England have to pay, while those in Wales and Northern Ireland do not... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

British Medical Association Welcomes Government Concessions On NHS Competition

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0100

The BMA has welcomed a commitment from the government that it will not allow healthcare providers to compete for NHS contracts on the basis of price. The government has laid amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill for England, changing the sections which would have made it possible for providers to bid for contracts at a price below the standard NHS tariff. The changes will also prevent the possibility of differential pricing between NHS and private providers... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Health plan 'unethical' BMA warns

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:56:53 +0100

The government health reform plans for England are "disgracefully unethical" and could undermine trust, the British Medical Association tells the BBC. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Government health reform plans 'unethical' warns BMA

NeLM - News — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Source: BBC Health Area: News According to a BBC Health report, the British Medical Association (BMA) has branded a proposed system of GP incentive payments as "disgracefully unethical", as they could be seen as rewarding them for withdrawing treatment. The "Quality Premium" idea is contained in an 'Impact Assessment' document published alongside the new Health Bill. This says payment of the Premium "should be linked to the outcomes that are achieved collaboratively through commissioning consortia and the effectiveness with which they manage financial resources". Dr Laurence Buckman, chairman of the BMA's General Practitioners Committee, commented that there is a lack of understanding of how this system will work. He raised concerns that money will be ta...

The UK's dysfunctional relationship with medical migrants: the Daniel Ubani case and reform of out-of-hours services.

The British Journal of General Practice — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Simpson JM, Esmail A In 2008, a patient died in the UK after being given an excessive dose of diamorphine by an overseas-trained doctor working in out-of-hours (OOH) primary care. This incident led to a debate on the recourse to international medical graduates and on the shortcomings of the OOH system. It is argued here that a historical reflection on the ways in which the NHS uses migrant labour can serve to reframe these discussions. The British Medical Association, the General Medical Council, and the House of Commons Health Committee have emphasised the need for more regulation of overseas graduates. Such arguments fit into a well-established pattern of dependency on and denigration of overseas graduates. They give insufficient weight to the multiple systemic failings iden...

Health Bill Falls Shorts Of Government Pledge To Give Power To Doctors, Says British Medical Association

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:00:00 +0100

With MPs on the Bill Committee soon to consider the clauses on commissioning in the Health and Social Care Bill (for England) a new BMA briefing1 says some of the legislation goes against government pledges to put doctors 'in the driving seat' and could ultimately prevent them from delivering improvements to patient care. When the Health White Paper was published in July 2010 it was promised that the Bill would devolve power to consortia and give them the freedom to decide what services they would commission... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Patient Confidentiality Could Be Under Threat From Health Reforms, Warns British Medical Association

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0100

Doctors' leaders today warned ministers that flaws in the government's Health and Social Care Bill could threaten the confidentiality of patient records1. Dr Vivienne Nathanson, Head of Science and Ethics at the BMA, said: "The government has decided to place its desire for access to information over the need to respect patient confidentiality2... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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BMA calls on government to abandon price based competition in NHS

NeLM - News — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Source: BMJ Area: News According to a BMJ news report, the British Medical Association's General Practitioners Committee has called on the government to abandon its proposed move to price-based competition in the NHS in England. The Committee said that there was clear evidence that competitive pricing adversely affected the quality of care, voting to endorse any amendment to the Health and Social Care Bill that would "preclude price competition within the National Health Service." According to the report, the government introduced the concept of price competition in the NHS in the NHS Operating Framework for 2011-12. One clause states that "one new flexibility being introduced in 2011-12 is the opportunity for providers to offer services to commissioners at less tha...

Doctors Call For Open And Transparent Health Service Debate, Northern Ireland

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Doctors' union the British Medical Association yesterday launched its election manifesto for Northern Ireland. "Health matters: our priorities for health" contains key recommendations for improving and protecting health, including the sustainability of the health service, the need for clinically led services and public health issues. Mid Ulster hospital doctor Paul Darragh, Chairman of the BMA's Council in Northern Ireland, said, "It is the health profession's commitment and dedication to the health service which has enabled the health service to survive so far... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

British Medical Association research grants

Society for Endocrinology — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:00:00 +0100

The British Medical Association (BMA) awards 10 grants annually with a total value of £500 000 to projects in several fields of clinical research. In 2011 the grants will fund research into topics including obesity, cancer and health behaviour. The grants have different eligibility criteria: some are only available to members of the BMA whilst others are open to non-member clinicians and non-clinician research scientists. The deadline for applications is 11 March 2011. For more information please follow the link below. Further details (Source: Society for Endocrinology)

Taking the N out of NHS.

British Journal of Nursing — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Discussions and concerns with regard to the Bill and its proposed changes to the NHS have been raised repeatedly over the past few months; not least with many arguing-including the British Medical Association (BMA), Royal College of Nursing (RCN), and other unions-that the reforms go too far, too fast. PMID: 21278651 [PubMed - in process] (Source: British Journal of Nursing)

Michael White: ministers are puzzled by the BMA’s hostility

HSJ — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:50:00 +0100

It remains a guiding principle of this column that any policy opposed by the British Medical Association can’t be all bad. (Source: HSJ)

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Marmot voices 'nudge' doubts

HSJ — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:46:00 +0100

The president of the British Medical Association has voiced doubts over the government’s “nudge” approach to public health. (Source: HSJ)

BMA: Doctors will need NICE's advice for fair drug rationing

NeLM - News — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Source: British Medical Journal (BMJ) Area: News According to the author of this news item published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), the British Medical Association (BMA) is keen on a strong role for NICE once GPs take over the responsibility of choosing which drugs are available to their patients on the NHS. They say that the consortiums must not be forced to ration drugs without advice and support from the Institute. In a consultation document issued in December 2009 (see NeLM report at the link below), the Department of Health proposes a new system of value based pricing of drugs. This would see NICE remaining as the key source of advice on the cost-effectiveness of new medicines, but losing its power to turn down new drugs for use on the NHS. Doctors...

Minimum alcohol price levels planned by Coalition

NeLM - News — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Source: BBC Health Area: News According to a report by BBC Health, ministers are due to announce a minimum price for alcohol in England and Wales, with a ban on the sale of alcohol below 'cost price' (duty plus VAT). The report says that the Home Office is proposing to set a minimum price of about 21p per unit of beer and 28p per unit of spirits; this would not affect the majority of alcoholic drinks as they are already priced above this. The British Medical Association has commented that the proposals do not go far enough, and the chief executive of Alcohol Concern commented that "duty is so low in the UK that it will still be possible to sell very cheap alcohol and be within the law. The government needs to look again at a minimum price per unit of alcohol....

Leading GPs criticise speed and scale of NHS reforms ahead of publication of the Health and Social Care Bill

NeLM - News — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Source: BBC Health News Area: News According to a report by BBC Health, leading GPs have branded the scale of the proposed NHS reforms as unnecessary, ahead of publication of the Health and Social Care Bill this Wednesday. Members of the Royal College of GPs and the British Medical Association (BMA) say that the same results could have been achieved by GPs taking charge of PCTs - this suggestion was rejected by the government. The BBC additionally reports that the heads of six health unions, including the BMA, have expressed their 'extreme concerns' over the speed and scale of the reorganisation. In their letter to the Times, they also express concern that the introduction of price competition between the NHS and private companies will undermine patient care by putt...

Saturday 15- Monday 17 January

Royal College of Nursing News Alert — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Health leaders warn: The Times has published a letter from medical and health professionals including Dr Hamish Meldrum of the British Medical Association, Dr Peter Carter of the Royal College of Nursing, Karen Jennings of Unison, Karen Reay of Unite, Professor Cathy Warwick of the Royal College of Midwives and Phil Gray of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, concerning the speed for reform in the NHS. The letter mentions they fear the speed and scale of the reforms, suggesting that the proposal to introduce price competition between the NHS and private companies risks undermining the care of patients by putting cost before quality. The letter accompanies an article in The Times, discussing the concerns over the NHS reforms. Peter Carter was interviewed by BBC News and Sky News. Health...

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BMA: 'NHS reforms are risky'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 18:57:55 +0100

The Chairman of the British Medical Association has told the BBC that government reforms to the NHS are "hugely risky" and rushed. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

BMA warns against letting patients have access to their electronic records (BMJ)

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:24:38 +0100

Source: e-Patient Dave, e-patients.net Content: “Update 3 pm ET: Thanks to Gilles Frydman for pasting in, in a comment below, the BMA’s actual statement, which as he says isn’t nearly as paternalistic as I thought from reading the BMJ piece. Need to discuss how this happened. According to the British Medical Journal, the British Medical Association [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

British Medical Association Rejects Pay Cut, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:00:00 +0100

The BMA has rejected a proposal to suspend pay increments for all NHS staff in England. NHS staff are already subject to a two-year pay freeze, but under proposals from NHS Employers, are being asked to agree a further cut and forego their incremental pay increases.* In its formal response to NHS Employers, the BMA says: "After consultation with our members, the overwhelming response was that the BMA should not sign up to the proposed national framework to allow local freezing of incremental pay progression... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Effective Long-Term Planning Needed For Future Of Health Service - BMA, Northern Ireland

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 10:00:00 +0100

Doctors' union the British Medical Association has launched its vision for the health service in Northern Ireland. Speaking at its launch, Dr Paul Darragh, chairman of the Association said, "BMA is an advocate for a publicly provided health service, and we would like this to continue. "We believe that as doctors work closely with patients who use the service, we can provide a highly informed view of the health service and how it can be improved... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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GP: 'those who need flu jab have been offered it already'

Telegraph Health — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:53:34 +0100

Dr Peter Holden, a GP in Derbyshire and the British Medical Association flu expert, says there is no shortage of the flu vaccine and those who need it have been offered it already. (Source: Telegraph Health)

BMA leadership defends its response to reforms

HSJ — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:51:00 +0100

The British Medical Association leadership has defended its engagement with the government’s health reforms after criticism from some members, but says it will be “stepping up” its lobbying. (Source: HSJ)

Jobs Loss Threat To Patient Care - British Medical Association Northern Ireland

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Doctors leaders expressed concern over the threat of job losses in the health sector as a consequence of the draft budget. Danny Lambe,BMA Northern Ireland Secretary said, "While we welcome the protection of the health budget in Northern Ireland, we are concerned at the lack of detail currently available in order to assess the direct threat to the health service. "In particular, we are worried at reports that some 4,000 jobs will be lost across health and social care, including doctors. This can only have a negative impact on patient care... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

'Get flu jab now,' GPs urge those at risk

NHS News Feed — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:49:00 +0100

The flu vaccine has featured heavily in recent news, with reports that people are avoiding having the vaccine as they are concerned about its swine flu component. The British Medical Association (BMA) has written to the government, warning about the "myths" that are circulating about the safety of this year's seasonal flu vaccine. It said that the regular seasonal outbreak could be much more serious as a result of the low uptake. Dr Laurence Buckman, Chairman of BMA’s GPs Committee, said: “Family doctors are already seeing high rates of influenza and they have been telling us that they are also seeing a lower uptake than usual for seasonal flu immunisation. Myths persist about the safety of the vaccine, especially after swine flu. The vaccine has been thoroughly tested and ...

Doctors warn of flu crisis

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:39:02 +0100

Government urged to act quickly on public awareness as people in at-risk groups fail take up flu vaccineBritain is facing a major flu crisis this winter because fewer people in "at-risk groups" are receiving the seasonal flu jab, GPs' leaders warned today.Increased efforts by the government and NHS are needed to persuade people to get immunised and dispel the "myths" surrounding the jab, the British Medical Association (BMA) said.They are "deeply concerned" that people whose health is vulnerable, such as elderly people, pregnant women and those with asthma or diabetes, could contract seasonal flu.It has already claimed 17 lives since October, although many died from the H1N1 swine flu strain. It is one of the two main strains of flu in circulation this winter, along with the influenza B st...

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Oral feeding: practical care at the end of life.

British Journal of Hospital Medicine — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Saunders J The 1999 case of Tony Bland [Airedale NHS Trust v Bland 1999], a young man in a permanent vegetative state, focused attention on the ethics and legality of providing artificial nutrition and hydration. Should tube feeding be given to patients who neither enjoy, nor have a prospect of enjoying, a meaningful life? And, of course, that raises the response articulated by Lord Browne-Wilkinson in the Bland case: 'What does life mean within the precept of sanctity of life: surely life as generally understood - not as PVS [permanent vegetative state]'. The Bland case has influenced guidance from the British Medical Association (2007), the General Medical Council (2010) and even the Department of Health (2008). PMID: 21135759 [PubMed - in process] (Source: British Journ...

BMA ex-leader cleared to operate

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:11:14 +0100

A surgeon and ex-head of the British Medical Association has been cleared to return to work after the General Medical Council found his fitness to practice was not impaired. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

BMA warns managers not to instruct consortia

HSJ — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

British Medical Association GPs committee chair Laurence Buckman has attacked primary care trusts and strategic health authorities for attempting to control the creation of fledgling GP consortia. (Source: HSJ)

Editorial: Use of skin lightening creams

NeLM - News — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: BMJ Area: News The British Medical Association has featured an editorial discussing skin-lightening creams, and complications associated with their use. The author also discusses clinical features which should alert clinicians to suspect the use of skin lightening creams in individuals. (Source: NeLM - News)

Ex BMA leader 'failed patients'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:41:59 +0100

A surgeon and ex-head of the British Medical Association failed to involve himself in the post-operative care of four patients, a General Medical Council hearing has found. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

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BMA ex-leader 'failed patients'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:41:59 +0100

Online help for medical students to deal with real life dilemmas

MEDEV News — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:48:18 +0100

Medical students can 'spot the mistake' in medical cartoon strips to help them to improve their understanding of professionalism and good practice before they start work.This is a great way for medical students to understand the professional standards expected from all doctors. Professor Trudie Roberts, GMC Council memberThe General Medical Council (GMC) has created the interactive Medical students: Professional values in Action to bring its guidance to life and help understand how it would be applied in day-to-day situations.Medical students can also test their knowledge through several quiz questions and case study dilemmas. They can take on the role of either a medical student or the medical school and face a variety of challenging situations encountered on clinical placements or during...

Privacy lags as e-health rolls out

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:58:26 +0100

Source: Juanita Fernando, MJA Insight Content: “Most recently, the British Medical Association Scotland called for stronger measures to protect patient confidentiality, particularly with the way patient information can be shared between medical users. The Australian Privacy Foundation (APF) has highlighted similar concerns about the situation in Australia. Empirical research findings show clinical end-users frequently covertly share credentials [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

British Medical Association comments on the NHS White Paper reforms

MEDEV News — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:32:59 +0100

The BMA has published a response to the Government consultation on the NHS White Paper reforms. (Source: MEDEV News)

Ex doctors' leader denies claims

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:57:25 +0100

A surgeon and ex head of the British Medical Association has denied putting representing doctors above patients. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

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Hospital reforms too risky - BMA

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:08:16 +0100

Patient care will suffer if the government insists all English hospital trusts achieve foundation status by 2014, the British Medical Association warns. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Apollo Hospitals, British Medical Journal Grp announce tie up

The Economic Times — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:42:18 +0100

Apollo Hospitals and British Medical Journal Group, media arm of British Medical Association announced a tie-up involving mobile health applications for patients and continuous medical education for doctors & other professionals. (Source: The Economic Times)

Teaching and learning medical ethics and law in UK medical schools

Clinical Ethics — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 22:20:01 +0100

Teaching and learning of medical ethics and law are at the heart of medical education because they are integral to all clinical encounters and public health interventions, and a foundation in medical ethics and law is essential for students to become virtuous doctors. The first model curriculum for medical ethics and law within medical education in the UK, published in 1998, has recently been reviewed and updated. Now called a core content of learning, it emphasizes that teaching and learning of medical ethics and law should be attuned to the students' needs appropriate both to their particular stage of training and to relevant specialty-specific ethical issues; is a shared obligation of all teachers throughout the course; and should be integrated vertically and horizontally throughout the...

Competition will 'overshadow' white paper benefits - BMA

HSJ — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 10:45:00 +0100

Extending NHS competition could undermine any potential benefits arising from the white paper, the British Medical Association has warned. (Source: HSJ)

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BMA critical of NHS shake-up

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 09:19:59 +0100

The British Medical Association which represents GPs has spoken out against government plans to change the way the NHS is run in England. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

BMA says White Paper reforms 'potentially damaging'

Telegraph Health — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 10:57:58 +0100

Bringing more competition to the NHS under White Paper reforms would be "potentially damaging" the British Medical Association (BMA) argues today. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Elsevier congratulates its British Medical Association award-winning medical authors and editors

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 04:00:00 +0100

(Elsevier) Two Elsevier books won first prize at the BMA medical book competition. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

New dispensing feescales published for 2010/11

NeLM - News — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Source: Department of Health, Primary Care Contracting Area: News The new dispensing feescales for 2010/11 have been published by the Information Centre and will be effective from 1 October 2010. The feescales replace the current ones which are in parts 2 and 3 of Annex G of the General Medical Services Statement of Financial Entitlement. The fees at Part 2 relate to dispensing doctors and the fees at part 3 relate to non-dispensing doctors. The new fees have been discussed and agreed with the General Medical Practitioners' Committee of the British Medical Association and NHS Prescriptions have been provided with the new feescales. For 2010/11, the dispensing fees envelope has increased to £168.7 million, up from £165.8 million for the previous year. Please see the lin...