MedWorm: Pensions

BMA seeks pensions breakthrough

BMA daily feed — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:39:00 +0100

Association urges health secretary to return to negotiations (Source: BMA daily feed)

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Excluded from social security: rejections of disability pension applications in Norway 1998-2004.

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The DP programme in Norway is to a large degree medically oriented, not only judicially but also in practice. Nevertheless, non-medical factors have a bearing on both application rates and application outcome. The control system seems to work in a way that excludes the most marginalised applicants, thus possibly contributing to further marginalisation of already disadvantaged groups. PMID: 22307995 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health)

Exposure to parental mortality and markers of morbidity, and the risks of attempted and completed suicide in offspring: an analysis of sensitive life periods

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Parental morbidity and parental suicidal behaviour show the most detrimental effects on completed suicide among offspring when they appear early in life. Early interventions in families at risk are necessary to prevent suicide in offspring. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)

Pension values shrink

Nature — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature 482, 7383 (2012). doi:10.1038/nj7383-123b Average pension contribution of Canadian faculty members set to rise by 2% to make up shortfall. (Source: Nature)

Exclusive: 'Stop the mudslinging on pensions' says BMA chairman

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:01:00 +0100

BMA chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum writes exclusively for GPonline.com, warning that attacks on doctors defending their pensions are likely to get nasty, but the BMA will remain committed to trying to negotiate a solution until the last possible moment. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

2012 Cost of Living Adjustment for Veterans and Beneficiaries

Disabled World — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:00:32 +0100

Veterans, their families, and survivors receiving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs saw a 3.6 percent increase in their compensation and pension benefits beginning January 1. (Source: Disabled World)

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Seeing the big picture

BMA daily feed — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:21:00 +0100

Attacks on pensions, pay freezes, NHS in turmoil … Now is the time to do something about it. Get yourself elected to BMA council and make a difference (Source: BMA daily feed)

Chief midwife brands Lansley's comments 'below the belt'

HSJ — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:01:00 +0100

The chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives has hit back at the health secretary over claims that clinicians were opposing the government’s health bill because of concerns about pensions. (Source: HSJ)

U.S. treasury raids federal employee pension funds to cover debts

NaturalNews.com — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

There is a saying, "Desperate times call for desperate measures." Roughly, it's an expression that's meant to be reassuring, conjuring up an image of a true statesman-like leader who is preparing to do whatever is necessary to lead the masses out of danger. Of course... (Source: NaturalNews.com)

From unemployment to disability? Relationship between unemployment rate and new disability pensions in Iceland 1992-2007

The European Journal of Public Health — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Health and mental and physical capability determine the overall incidence of disability pension, but marginal fluctuations over time seem to be related to environmental conditions in the labour market, especially the unemployment rate. The observed disability pension incidence pattern in the two unemployment cycles of the study period indicates mainly that people with impaired health are forced out of the labour market in times of increasing unemployment rather than pointing towards a negative effect of unemployment on health. Our findings indicate that there is a need to strengthen the vocational rehabilitation system in Iceland as well as the support system for employment and social participation. (Source: The European Journal of Public Health)

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Nurses to pay more than £7,600 towards pensions, figures suggest

Nursing Times Breaking News — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The average nurse will pay more than £7,600 more towards their pensions under the latest planned changes to the NHS scheme, calculations by Nursing Times suggest. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

The payout to the boss of RBS is a disastrous deal for the taxpayer | Aditya Chakrabortty

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0100

Ministers could act over Stephen Hester, the most lavishly rewarded public servant of all – but will they?How much would you pay the boss of RBS? No one in Westminster would be crass enough to put it like that, naturally; but that's the fundamental question party leaders are addressing in their arguments about Stephen Hester's bonus.Except that when Ed argues that the chief executive shouldn't get his annual top-up, and Nick coughs about the need for restraint and Dave tries to get everyone to look away by loosing the hounds on Fred Goodwin, they always leave out the most important bit: how Hester's payout is taxpayer money. As chief executive of a bank that is 83% owned by taxpayers, Hester is as much a public-sector worker as anyone behind the desk at your local JobCentre. If ministers...

Pensions vote conference call for activists

Royal College of Nursing - UK- National News — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:23:44 +0100

Activists can now book a spot in a conference call. (Source: Royal College of Nursing - UK- National News)

RCM to consult members on gov pension proposals

Nursing in Practice — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:17:46 +0100

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) will seek member opinion on the government’s final pension plan proposal read more (Source: Nursing in Practice)

Don’t expect better pensions offer, Lansley tells doctors

OnMedica Latest News — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

BMA brands government stance as “unconstructive” and “inaccurate”Related items from OnMedicaHow much more doctors will have to pay for their pensionsDoctors overlooked in improved pension offerFinal pension deal will hit doctors hardDoctors reject government's latest pension offer (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

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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)

GPC plans industrial action advice as BMA hits out at Lansley

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0100

GP leaders have pledged to hand the profession clear legal advice on possible forms of industrial action, as the BMA hit back at DH claims that doctors should accept pension cuts. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

From the chair: Watch this space

BMA daily feed — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:19:00 +0100

BMA council chairman thanks members for engagement with pensions survey (Source: BMA daily feed)

Retired GP on £140,000 a year pension

Telegraph Health — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:00:02 +0100

A retired GP is receiving a pension of nearly £140,000 a year, figures have shown. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Sick leave in patients with ankylosing spondylitis before and after anti-TNF therapy: a population-based cohort study

Rheumatology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. There is a decline in sick leave during the first 12 months after initiation of TNF-antagonist treatment in AS patients not explained by societal factors or secular trends. The proportion of AS patients on disability pension remained unchanged during the observation period. (Source: Rheumatology)

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The incidence of permanent work disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Sweden 1990-2010: before and after introduction of biologic agents

Rheumatology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. The decrease in DPs due to RA coincides with new treatment strategies as well as with decreasing levels of DPs in patients with all diagnoses. Prevailing political and economic conditions have a large impact on permanent work disability and may affect patients with various diagnoses in different ways. To determine if the decline is a true effect of better treatment, there is a need for further investigations, taking possible confounding factors into account. (Source: Rheumatology)

Caring for the country - or for themselves?

Telegraph Health — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:56:44 +0100

Telegraph View: Andrew Lansley is right to take on the doctors and the nurses over pensions. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Lansley rejects fresh pension deal talks

Management in Practice — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:19:00 +0100

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has dismissed the BMA's pension poll as an 'informal survey' (Source: Management in Practice)

Medical profession hijacked by unions, health secretary Andrew Lansley claims

Telegraph Health — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:16:08 +0100

Unions angered by pension and pay reform have hijacked the medical profession and are using proposed changes to the NHS as an excuse to attack the government, Andrew Lansley has suggested. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Health secretary rejects BMA appeal for fresh pension talks

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:29:00 +0100

Health secretary Andrew Lansley has rejected calls for fresh talks on plans to overhaul NHS pensions, dismissing a BMA poll of 46,000 doctors as an 'informal survey'. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

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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 reject government's latest pension offer

OnMedica Latest News — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Almost two thirds say they are prepared to take industrial action Related items from OnMedicaPension reforms: "work longer, pay more and get less" How much more doctors will have to pay for their pensionsDoctors overlooked in improved pension offerBMA questions public service pensions offerFinal pension deal will hit doctors hard (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

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)

Doctors say no to pension reforms

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:40:25 +0100

Doctors have rejected plans to change their pensions and would be prepared to take industrial action, says the BMA. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Doctors reject pensions deal

HSJ — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0100

Doctors have overwhelmingly voted to reject the government’s latest offer on pensions. (Source: HSJ)

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BREAKING: BMA prepares strike action over pension row

Management in Practice — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0100

84% of BMA members surveyed reject the government’s latest pension offer (Source: Management in Practice)

BMA prepares strike action over pension row

Management in Practice — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0100

84% of BMA members surveyed reject the government’s latest pension offer (Source: Management in Practice)

Industrial action looms as BMA rejects government pension offer

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:47:00 +0100

BMA leaders have formally rejected the government's latest offer on reforms to the NHS pension scheme after a poll of more than 46,000 doctors confirmed overwhelming opposition to the changes. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

VIDEO: Cancer charity 'wrong on incomes'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:54:20 +0100

The work and pensions secretary said Macmillan Cancer Support was wrong to claim 7,000 cancer patients would see their incomes fall by £94 a week from April. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Unrecognized risks of nickel-related respiratory cancer among Canadian electrolysis workers.

Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: While acknowledging important contributions to the recognition of nickel carcinogenicity from highly exposed Canadian refiners, we conclude that the claimed absence of nickel-related respiratory cancer among electrolysis workers has resulted from an arbitrary overemphasis of biased and inconclusive findings. PMID: 22258056 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health)

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Exclusive: NHS reform concerns trigger GP shift to Labour

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:01:00 +0100

GP support for the government is in freefall amid widespread concern about increasing workload, NHS reform and cuts to income and pensions, a GP magazine poll has found. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Time to take control of the credit rating agencies | Aditya Chakrabortty

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0100

Credit rating agencies keep getting it wrong but still make billions. Why don't politicians stand up to them?One point of view has counted more than any other in Europe over the past few days. After deciding on Friday night that France should be stripped of its top-of-the-range AAA credit rating, the agency Standard & Poor's has faced a lambastin g from EU commissioners. It has heard wheedling from France's prime minister: "We will do everything to get [the triple A] back." Back it or attack it, no politician, economist or commentator has denied that S&P's verdict matters. So much for the death of the critic.Sure, the carpers will bring up all the times the credit rating agencies have got it wrong in the past. Sophisticates might point out that America lost its triple-A last year and yet w...

BMA members ready for industrial action over pensions

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:46:00 +0100

Doctors are not prepared to go on strike over pension cuts but would back other forms of industrial action, feedback from BMA roadshows suggests. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Opinion: Bargaining for a Child’s Love

NYT Health — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:25:53 +0100

Before our network of bureaucracies, old-age care wasn’t a given; parents used the promise of an inheritance to ensure support. (Source: NYT Health)

No time for a novice

BMA daily feed — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:30:00 +0100

Why Alan Robertson is ideally qualified to help lead the BMA's battle for pensions justice (Source: BMA daily feed)

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Pension decision: don’t run out of time

BMA daily feed — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:11:00 +0100

Members have until midnight on Monday to return the BMA pensions survey (Source: BMA daily feed)

BMA plans fightback over cuts to NHS pensions

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:10:00 +0100

The medical profession will only avoid further attacks on NHS pensions by sending a strong message to ministers about their opposition to cuts, the BMA pensions committee chairman has warned. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Familial factors don't affect disability risk, study suggests

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:24:24 +0100

Factors other than genetics and childhood environment affect the risk of going on medical leave or disability pension, reports a new study. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

RCN members to vote on gov pension deal

Nursing in Practice — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) will seek member opinion on the government’s final pension offer read more (Source: Nursing in Practice)

'Added years' won't end with 2015 pension reforms

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0100

The scheme that allows GPs to buy additional years for their NHS pension will not be affected by the government's proposed pension changes, the BMA has revealed. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

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BMA must 'lose media war' in order to protect pensions

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:40:00 +0100

The BMA must face 'losing the media war' if it wants to protect members' pensions, a leading GP has said. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

The joint association of sleep duration and insomnia symptoms with disability retirement - a longitudinal, register-linked study.

Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Frequent insomnia symptoms dominate the joint association of sleep duration and insomnia symptoms with subsequent disability retirement. Examining exclusively sleep duration would provide an incomplete understanding of the consequences of poor sleep. PMID: 22234460 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health)

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)

Health and safety of the older worker. - Farrow A, Reynolds F.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:09:00 +0100

BACKGROUND: In the UK, increasing numbers of paid employees are over 60 years with further increases expected as the state pension age rises. Some concern surrounds possible increased work-related illness and accidents for people working beyond the age of ... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

BMA saves added years entitlements for doctors

BMA daily feed — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:08:00 +0100

Welcome for 'small bit of good news' in pensions dispute (Source: BMA daily feed)

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Doctors urged to complete pensions survey

BMA daily feed — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:10:00 +0100

BMA wants views on whether the government’s final offer is acceptable (Source: BMA daily feed)

Student opinion: Taking money out of your pockets

BMA daily feed — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:33:00 +0100

‘There is a threat that the government’s pension offer will get worse if we don’t accept the current proposals; that’s called bullying’ (Source: BMA daily feed)

BMA to survey members on pensions deal

HSJ — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:14:00 +0100

Around 130,000 doctors and medical students are to be surveyed about the government’s final offer on pensions, raising the prospect of their first industrial action ballot for over 30 years. (Source: HSJ)

Unite's 100,000 NHS workers reject final pensions offer

Healthcare Republic News — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:01:00 +0100

Public sector union Unite, which represents 100,000 NHS workers, has rejected the government's final offer for the NHS pension scheme. (Source: Healthcare Republic News)

Sutter Health contributes $400M to employee pension plan

bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:09:33 +0100

Sutter Health, frequently a target of union ire, said Thursday it made a $400 million contribution to its pension plan late last month. The Sacramento-based system, which operates 24 hospitals and a network of affiliated medical foundations in Northern California, said its Sutter Health Retirement Plan is fully funded for its roughly 45,000 employees. To keep the plan fully funded, Sutter said, it injected $400 million in late December, on of top of investments of $120 million in 2010 and $500 million in 2008... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines)

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Unite rejects pensions deal

HSJ — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:11:00 +0100

A union representing more than 100,000 NHS workers has rejected the government’s offer on pensions, opening up the possibility for more industrial action. (Source: HSJ)

Unite rejects government pensions offer

Management in Practice — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:16:00 +0100

The UK's largest health union Unite has unanimously rejected the government's final pensions offer (Source: Management in Practice)

BMA surveys members on industrial action over pensions

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:34:00 +0100

The BMA is asking members whether it should ballot for industrial action, following the government's final pension offer. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Interactive slide pack on the NHS pension scheme

NHS Networks — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The information is available from the Department's website. (Source: NHS Networks)

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Unions consult on pensions deal

HSJ — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0100

Unions are warning their members they will need to be prepared for a sustained period of industrial action if they reject the government’s latest and “final” offer on the NHS pension scheme, HSJ understands. (Source: HSJ)

NHS pensions deal to be offered to private sector

HSJ — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0100

The government has offered to extend the NHS pensions scheme to staff transferred out of the service to make it easier for private firms to bid for NHS contracts. (Source: HSJ)

[News] Proposals to change UK benefit system worry cancer charity

The Lancet Oncology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Macmillan Cancer Support has criticised UK Government proposals to reform the benefits system. The plans would lead to “seriously ill cancer patients in the middle of gruelling chemotherapy [being] forced to prove they are too sick to work” said the charity. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said that it was disappointed with Macmillan's stance and maintained that its proposals would help cancer patients. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)

Pensions: lessons from the past.

British Journal of Nursing — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Maccallum A Abstract I had listened intently for about 10 minutes nodding with the occasional 'ah yes, I see' for good measure. I had long passed the point when I could have asked a sensible question and would undoubtedly have shown that I had in fact not understood one word of what I was being told about my pension. The language was strangely familiar; I thought I really should be able to understand this but nothing made much sense; lump sum, additional voluntary contribution, taxable income, employer contribution and death in service! PMID: 22240527 [PubMed - in process] (Source: British Journal of Nursing)

A business to build.

Nursing Standard — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Carter P Abstract Under Peter Carter's leadership the RCN has returned to financial stability and increased its credibility as a voice for nurses. Now he is set to grapple with the government's plans for public sector pensions and NHS job cuts. PMID: 22272536 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Nursing Standard)

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Scottish doctors threaten work action

Health News - UPI.com — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:41:51 +0100

EDINBURGH, Scotland, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The union representing Scottish doctors says its members are furious about changes to the British public employee pension system. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

BMA urges members to respond to its pension survey

BMA daily feed — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:31:00 +0100

Doctors and medical students will soon be asked for feedback on government pension proposals (Source: BMA daily feed)

Health and safety of the older worker

Occupational Medicine — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Implications for health and safety risks cannot be assessed without longitudinal research on workforces with substantial numbers of workers over age 60 in order to address the healthy worker effect. (Source: Occupational Medicine)

Diagnosis-specific sick leave as a long-term predictor of disability pension: a 13-year follow-up of the GAZEL cohort study

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Sick leave with a psychiatric diagnosis is a major risk factor for subsequent DP, especially among men. Sick leave due to musculoskeletal or circulatory disorders was also a strong predictor of DP. Diagnosis-specific sick leave should be recognised as an early risk marker for future exclusion from the labour market. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)

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Elder mistreatment in a rural area in Egypt

Geriatrics and Gerontology International — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The independent risk factors for overall mistreatment of the elderly were older age, insufficient pension and caregiver other than spouse. Although being dependent, the number of children being three or less and caregiver other than spouse were significant independent attributes for “neglect” as a form of elder mistreatment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; ••: ••–••. (Source: Geriatrics and Gerontology International)

New pensions briefing available for RCN members

Royal College of Nursing - UK- National News — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:36:22 +0100

The Royal College of Nursing has produced a briefing on the current pensions proposals to help members and activists understand the current Government offer. (Source: Royal College of Nursing - UK- National News)

BMA launches NHS pension reform roadshows

BMA daily feed — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:12:00 +0100

Hundreds of doctors sign up to get expert information on proposed changes (Source: BMA daily feed)

Half of public sector workers would give up pension for career elsewhere

Nursing Times Breaking News — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:28:00 +0100

Public sector workers facing pay cuts are becoming disillusioned and are prepared to sacrifice their pension for a job in a private firm, according to new research. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Survey reveals poor public sector morale

HSJ — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Public sector workers facing pay cuts are becoming disillusioned and are prepared to sacrifice their pension for a job in a private firm, according to new workforce research. (Source: HSJ)

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Agreement on NHS pension scheme changes

NHS Networks — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This significant step forward will help lift the cloud of uncertainty hanging over the NHS around pensions and industrial action.The heads of agreement will enable union executives to consider key pension changes will allow local employers and trade unions to explain the changes to staff and provide reassurance on pension entitlements. The NHS has a record of constructive discussion and we are pleased that trade unions have recognised that significant progress has been made. The main parties have recognised the need for a sustainable pension scheme and to create certainty of provision for a generation. (Source: NHS Networks)

Pensions deal 'will save taxpayer tens of billions'

HSJ — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:46:00 +0100

NHS pensions will remain a “proper reward” for a lifetime of public service, chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander has told parliament. (Source: HSJ)

Government reveals final offer for public sector pensions

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:29:00 +0100

The government's final offer for public sector pensions has been announced by chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

BMA seeks members' views on pensions reform

BMA daily feed — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:15:07 +0100

Government offers retirement-funding concessions (Source: BMA daily feed)

Civil service unions hold up pensions 'progress'

HSJ — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:02:00 +0100

The government will today outline progress made on the public sector pensions dispute, which remains unresolved despite lengthy talks. (Source: HSJ)

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BMA to consult GPs in January on improved NHS pensions offer

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:09:00 +0100

The government's final offer for NHS pensions will hit GPs 'very hard' despite an improved accrual rate, the BMA has warned. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Update on NHS pension scheme

UNISON Health care news — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

(20/12/11) Unions to consult on ministers' health pensions offer (Source: UNISON Health care news)

Breakthrough in public-sector pension dispute

FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:59:38 +0100

Left-wing PCS said it had rejected 'the government's latest attempt to force public servants to pay more and work longer for less' (Source: FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare)

Unions agree on pension reforms

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:36:08 +0100

Some teachers unions join the list of those signing initial agreements on pension change but an offer for civil servants is rejected. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Health unions to consider pensions offer

FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:58:24 +0100

Health unions to consider an outline agreement on pensions in the first sign of a breakthrough in the UK public sector stand-off (Source: FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare)

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Unions reach pension agreement with ministers

HSJ — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:17:00 +0100

Unions representing NHS employees have agreed to suspend plans for further industrial action pending consideration of the government’s “final” offer on pensions. (Source: HSJ)

Deal on health workers' pensions

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:17:53 +0100

An initial agreement on health workers' pensions is set to be announced during a day of key negotiations for public sector staff (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Pensions talks deadline looms

HSJ — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:52:00 +0100

The bitter dispute between the government and public sector workers over pensions reaches D-Day today with last-ditch talks aimed at averting fresh strikes in the new year. (Source: HSJ)

Final government offer for GP pensions expected on Tuesday

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0100

The Treasury is expected to announce its final offer for public sector pensions on Tuesday, the BMA has said. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

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Latest on NHS pension negotiations

Royal College of Nursing - UK- National News — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:57:06 +0100

There has been some discussion in the media this morning (19 December) about public sector pension negotiations. Royal College of Nursing negotiators are in talks with other trade unions and the Department of Health and an announcement by the Government is expected later today. (Source: Royal College of Nursing - UK- National News)

Socioeconomic factors, rather than diabetes mellitus per se, contribute to an excessive use of antidepressants among young adults with childhood onset type 1 diabetes mellitus: a register-based study

Diabetologia — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:29:02 +0100

Conclusions/interpretation The risk factor patterns for AD use are similar among type 1 diabetic patients and controls, and socioeconomic risk factors, rather than the diabetes per se, contribute to the increased risk of AD use in young adults with type 1 diabetes. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00125-011-2405-0Authors T. Lind, Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, SwedenI. Waernbaum, Department of Statistics, Umeå University, Umeå, SwedenY. Berhan, Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, SwedenG. Dahlquist, Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden Journal DiabetologiaOnline ISSN 1432-0428Print ISSN 0012-18...

Pensions podcast: Alan Robertson explains why the pensions battle is essential

BMA daily feed — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:26:00 +0100

The new BMA pensions committee chair talks about the importance of updating your workplace details (Source: BMA daily feed)

Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Barts and the London

Society for Endocrinology — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0100

Via www.jobs.ac.uk. Applicants are invited to apply for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant position funded by the MRC to investigate the role of MRAPs (Melanocortin-2-Receptor Accessory Proteins) in the control of energy homeostasis and adrenal function. This will involve the development and study of in-vivo mouse models. The project aims to identify novel insights into the mechanism of action of these accessory proteins. Applicants must have experience in modern cellular and molecular laboratory techniques in the field of molecular biology and/or cell biology. Experience in working with rodent models would be highly desirable. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant area of cell biology/molecular biology or equivalent. Applicants must have a recognised publication record. The...

Review your pensions ahead of April 2012 changes.

British Journal of Hospital Medicine — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Medical Sickness W Abstract Review your pensions ahead of April 2012 changes. PMID: 22241235 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: British Journal of Hospital Medicine)

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UC finalizes labor agreement with clerical staff

bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:51:08 +0100

The University of California has finalized a five-year agreement with the Coalition of University Employees that includes a new pension tier for new hires after July 1, 2013. The agreement covers wages, benefits and other issues for more than 12,500 clerical staff, including almost 2,000 at the University of California Davis. The deal came after protracted negotiations in a tough climate for both sides. UC has had to cut costs because its own budget has been slashed due to state financial woes; the union’s job is to hang onto jobs and benefits despite the troubled economy... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines)

Intensive decongestive treatment restores ability to work in patients with advanced forms of primary and secondary lower extremity lymphoedema.

Phlebology — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Complex decongestive therapy is a very efficient form of treatment in advanced primary and secondary lymphoedema. It allows returning to work after a short period of temporary disability without the necessity of a social pension. PMID: 22156385 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Phlebology)

Public sector pensions offer fails to ease dispute

HSJ — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:08:00 +0100

The public sector pensions dispute remained deadlocked tonight despite a move by the government to improve arrangements for more than half a million NHS workers. (Source: HSJ)

More NHS staff to benefit from NHS pension contribution freeze

NHS Networks — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Following a consultation, the threshold for freezing pension contributions will be raised from £15,000 to £26,557 for 2012/13, affecting 630,000 staff in the NHS in total – almost half of all those in the NHS Pension Scheme. This change will protect the lower paid in the NHS. The increases in employee contributions have been distributed among higher earners where they will be significantly offset by the benefit of tax relief for higher rate taxpayers. So someone earning £60,000 would no longer contribute less as a proportion of their salary towards their pension after tax relief than someone earning £15,000. (Source: NHS Networks)

Unions reject pensions offer for NHS staff

FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:55:02 +0100

Unions warn that plan for more workers to be spared rise in contributions next year not enough to resolve UK public sector dispute (Source: FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare)

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Lansley enhances NHS pension deal

Management in Practice — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:09:00 +0100

Pension proposals have been enhanced once again - this time in a bid to protect the low earning members of NHS staff (Source: Management in Practice)

BMA warns pension anger will intensify after increased GP contribution offer

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:53:00 +0100

A further increase to doctors' and medical students' pension contributions will 'intensify the anger' they are already feeling over pension reforms, the BMA has warned. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Lansley enhances NHS pension deal

Nursing in Practice — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:51:00 +0100

Pension proposals have been enhanced once again - this time in a bid to protect the low earning members of NHS staff (Source: Nursing in Practice)

Postponement of NHS pension contributions hike for lower paid

Nursing Times Breaking News — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:32:00 +0100

An extra 530,000 lower paid staff have been spared from making extra pension contributions next year after the Department of Health made a concession in the long-running pensions dispute. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Fresh NHS pensions offer unveiled

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:27:28 +0100

The government announces an "improved" offer on NHS pensions which it hopes will help end part of the wider public sector pensions dispute. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

GP contributions to rise under NHS pension offer

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:35:00 +0100

Most GPs will be forced to pay several hundred pounds per year on top of the four-figure pension hike they already faced in 2012/13 after the government revised its plans for changes to NHS pensions. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Fresh NHS pensions offer expected

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:58:56 +0100

In the search for a public sector pensions deal, the government is expected to announce a new offer on NHS pensions. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Media Watch: pensions play second fiddle patient privacy

HSJ — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The NHS has been all over the front pages during the past week or so, and not all of it to do with public sector strikes. (Source: HSJ)

Scott proposes $66.4B budget

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:24:38 +0100

A $66.4 billion state budget proposed by Gov. Rick Scott includes $1 billion in new funding for elementary education. The budget also includes new tax relief measures totaling nearly $35 million in taxpayer savings next year and more than $86 million for fiscal year 2013-14, a written statement from the governor’s office said. It also injects $300 million in the Florida Retirement Systems pension fund, reduces state spending by 4.6 percent and adjusts Medicaid reimbursement methodologies to control costs, the statement said... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

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Pharmacies use loans to stay open

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:59:53 +0100

Pharmacists who work in the community tell the BBC they are resorting to banking loans and even cashing in pensions to keep their businesses open. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Pensions fight steps up

BMA daily feed — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:41:00 +0100

BMA members urged to ensure workplace details are up to date (Source: BMA daily feed)

Pensions events: find our more

BMA daily feed — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:31:00 +0100

Events being held in trusts around the country (Source: BMA daily feed)

NHS pension scheme deficit predicted within three years

HSJ — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:15:00 +0100

The Office for Budget Responsibility has forecast the NHS pension scheme will pay out more money than it receives in 2013-14, meaning it will require a £500m Treasury bailout. (Source: HSJ)

Pensions — the low-down: changing jobs

BMA daily feed — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:09:26 +0100

A two-minute tutorial from BMA head of pensions Andy Blake (Source: BMA daily feed)

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Paying for Retirement: Sex Differences in Inclusion in Employer-Provided Retirement Plans.

The Gerontologist — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study examines sex differences among Baby Boom workers in the likelihood of coverage by an employer-provided retirement plan. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study used a sample of Baby Boom workers drawn from the 2009 Current Population Survey. Independent variables were selected to replicate as closely as possible those in two 1995 studies of retired workers and pension plans. Three new variables were added to reflect major social and economic shifts since 1995. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the effect of the independent variables on the likelihood of retirement plan coverage. RESULTS: In this cohort, the proportions of men and women included in employer-provided retirement plans were almost the same. The overall odds of women being included in a plan were only s...

NAD Submits Comments to Senate Committee Regarding ADA and Transportation

National Association of the Deaf — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:34:12 +0100

The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) met on November 17th to discuss “The Americans with Disabilities Act and Accessible Transportation: Challenges and Opportunities.” This event largely focused on people with mobility barriers to transportation; however, at least two witnesses mentioned that deaf and hard of hearing people need visual access to aural information. A captioned video of the hearing and reports from the witnesses can be found online at: help.senate.gov read more (Source: National Association of the Deaf)

Unions challenge pension change ruling by High Court

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:22:00 +0100

Unions are challenging a High Court ruling that changes to how the NHS pension scheme tracks inflation are lawful. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

TSA strip-searches 85-year-old woman in wheelchair while National Organization for Women (N.O.W.) remains shamelessly silent

NaturalNews.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) For a federal government that has gone insane with criminality, no act of violating fundamental human rights is too outrageous anymore. In the latest chapter of the U.S. government's police state humiliation of innocent American women, an 85-year-old woman in a wheelchair, Lenore Zimmerman, was strip-searched by TSA agents who left her bleeding from a painful gash in her leg. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/04/woman-claims-strip-search-jfk-airport)"They took me into a private room and strip-searched me," says Zimmerman. "They took my pants down... and then they took my underwear down." (http://www.local10.com/news/85-year-old-says-she-was-strip-searched-at-JFK/-/1717324/4870970/-/4dg4fk/-/index.html)The TSA responded with what can only be a carefully-worded lie, cla...

Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security Benefit Rates 2012

Disabled World — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 17:19:12 +0100

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada announce the benefit rates for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS), effective January 1, 2012. (Source: Disabled World)

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NHS managers to receive £3 million pension pots

Telegraph Health — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:57:51 +0100

NHS mangers are in line for pension payouts worth more than £3 million, giving them six-figure incomes for life. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Thousands of nurses hit the streets as Osborne lands new blow

Nursing Times Breaking News — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:25:00 +0100

Thousands of nurses have demonstrated their anger at pensions cuts by going on strike and joining marches and rallies across the UK. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Unions offered olive branch on pensions

FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:14:28 +0100

After this week's public sector strike, officials have made clear they are prepared to make concessions over the rights of outsourced staff (Source: FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare)

There's only so much good luck to go round, so if I'm not getting it, who is? | Peter White

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:45:00 +0100

Ever got the sense you can only win if someone else loses? You're not the only oneIt's hard to justify the way I felt at around 5.40am on Wednesday. I woke in the gleeful expectation of hearing about chaos at Heathrow: planes disconsolately circling the airport; passengers held on the few planes that had been allowed to land; arrivals queuing up behind the one immigration officer who'd turned up for work.This is not because I'm of a particularly sadistic turn of mind, or a virulently committed environmental anti-flier; or because I hold a special brief for the pension arrangements of the immigration officers. It's just that I'd changed all my travel plans on the basis of the dire warnings given by the airlines and the airports about what would happen.I'd been abroad recordin...

Pensions — the low-down: Fixed protection

BMA daily feed — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:29:44 +0100

A two-minute tutorial from BMA head of pensions Andy Blake (Source: BMA daily feed)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Doctors join pensions protesters

BMA daily feed — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:18:00 +0100

BMA members, staff and representatives join largest demonstrations in a generation (Source: BMA daily feed)

Andrew Lansley: the NHS pension scheme - for a sustainable future

HSJ — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0100

Now is the time for NHS leaders to engage with staff to let them know exactly what the revised pension offer entails, and why the scheme is worth sticking with. (Source: HSJ)

Pension talks set to continue on Friday

HSJ — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:44:00 +0100

The government and health unions are set to hold their latest round of talks tomorrow over changes to pensions in the wake of yesterday’s strike. (Source: HSJ)

NHS services hit as thousands join strikes

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:15:00 +0100

Hundreds of thousands of NHS staff are estimated to have taken part in strikes on Wednesday in protest at cuts to public sector pensions. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

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London Ambulance Service calls in police support during strike

HSJ — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:27:00 +0100

Police helped ambulances attending emergencies last night after thousands of NHS workers went on strike over public sector pensions. (Source: HSJ)

[Disease-Related Self-Management of Obese Children and Children with Bronchial Asthma: Changes and Predictors during Inpatient Rehabilitation].

Die Rehabilitation — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gustke M, Petermann F, Farin E Abstract There is growing interest in disease-related self-management as a means of coping with chronic disease. Improving disease-related self-management has thus become a key aim of inpatient medical rehabilitation of children and adolescents. We conducted this study in the framework of the project entitled "Outcome quality in medical inpatient rehabilitation of children and adolescents" initiated and financed by the German statutory pension and statutory health insurance programmes.Our study aim was to examine any changes following inpatient medical rehabilitation in the diagnosis-specific disease self-management of children suffering from obesity and from bronchial asthma. In addition we sought to identify any personal characteristics of ...

[DGRW-Update: Neurology - From Empirical Strategies Towards Evidence Based Interventions].

Die Rehabilitation — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schupp W Abstract Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and neuropathies are the most important diseases in neurological rehabilitation financed by the German Pension Insurance. The primary goal is vocational (re)integration. Driven by multiple findings of neuroscience research the traditional holistic approach with mainly empirically derived strategies was developed further and improved by new evidence-based interventions. This process had been, and continues to be, necessary to meet the health-economic pressures for ever shorter and more efficient rehab measures. Evidence-based interventions refer to symptom-oriented measures, to team-management concepts, as well as to education and psychosocial interventions. Drug therapy and/or neurophysiologi...

BMA steps up plans for pension strikes

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The BMA will ballot members on industrial action if they do not accept the government's final offer on NHS pension reforms. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Lansley defends pensions offer but says still space for negotiation

HSJ — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The health secretary has said he hoped for a resolution to the pensions dispute which this week triggered the biggest public sector walkout in generations “by the end of this year”. (Source: HSJ)

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BMA solidarity with pensions day of action

BMA daily feed — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:44:00 +0100

Junior doctors leader tells rally that government has ‘betrayed all NHS workers’ (Source: BMA daily feed)

Hospitals plan strike contingency

HSJ — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:40:00 +0100

NHS trusts across the country have written to patients informing them not to visit as thousands of operations and appointments are cancelled due to industrial action over pensions. (Source: HSJ)

Use of inverse probability weighting to adjust for non-participation in estimating brain volumes in schizophrenia patients

Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:08:27 +0100

This article presents use of inverse probability weighting (IPW) in adjusting for non-participation in estimation of brain volumes among subjects with schizophrenia. Altogether 101 schizophrenia subjects and 187 non-psychotic comparison subjects belonging to the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort were invited to participate in a field study during 1999–2001. Volumes of grey matter (GM), white matter (WM) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were compared between the 54 participating schizophrenia subjects and 100 comparison subjects. IPW by illness-related auxiliary variables did not affect the estimated GM and WM mean volumes, but increased the estimated CSF mean volume in schizophrenia subjects. When adjusted for intracranial volume and family history of psychosis, IPW led to smaller estimate...

Autumn statement: the rest of the package

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:46:03 +0100

Action promised on tax avoidance, high-speed internet, science investment and small businesses• Online retailers such as Play.com, HMV.com, Tesco and Amazon will be blocked from offering VAT-free prices by shipping goods such as CDs and DVDs from the Channel Islands, in a measure expected to save at least £110m in lost sales tax. The removal of "low-value consignment relief" in relation to the Channel Islands will come into force from April next year.• Householders in the south-west who have long faced the highest water bills in the country – as a result of cleanup costs along the region's long coastline – are to get a £50 rebate, but not until 1 April 2013 at the earliest. The surprise announcement will mean a subsidy paid directly from the Treasury to South West Water, the priv...

NHS pension scheme calculators published

NHS Networks — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This follows the revised government offer on 2 November, which was set out in a letter from the secretary of state for health to NHS chairs. The calculators have been produced with actuarial support. (Source: NHS Networks)

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Health unions warn of pension action

FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:25:37 +0100

Dispute comes ahead of November 30 strike and UK Border Agency plans to implement staffing levels of 60-65 per cent at Heathrow airport (Source: FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare)

Pensions propaganda?

HSJ — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:21:00 +0100

The government says many public sector workers will be better off under the changes to the pension scheme. How does this apply to the average NHS employee? (Source: HSJ)

War of words heats up ahead of strike

Nursing Times Breaking News — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:02:00 +0100

A war of words was raging between unions and the government as final preparations were being made for the biggest day of strike action in more than 30 years, over the bitter public sector pensions dispute. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

BMA reveals GPs will pay thousands more for pensions

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:36:00 +0100

GPs will be left paying thousands of pounds more in contributions under pension reforms, despite the government's recent concession, the BMA has revealed. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

How much more doctors will have to pay for their pensions

OnMedica Latest News — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The BMA calculates true extra cost to doctors of their pensions in futureRelated items from OnMedicaPractice managers slam extended opening hours'Invest more in consultants' urges BMA Scotland End in sight for public sector final salary schemeBMA calls for Scottish consultation on pension reformsPensions rise “a blatant tax” (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

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[Acceptance and Practicability of the Rehab Therapy Standards for Rehabilitation after Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty - Findings of a User Survey of the Pilot Version.]

Die Rehabilitation — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Spieser A, Mittag O, Brüggemann S, Jäckel WH Abstract Implementation of the pilot version of the rehab therapy standards for rehabilitation following total hip or knee replacement was accompanied by a user survey. This survey allowed rehab centres to comment on the standards and suggest changes.Early 2010 a total of 160 rehab centres that had treated at least 50 German Pension Fund insurees following total hip or knee replacement in 2008 received a written survey together with an overview of performance data according to KTL (Classification of Therapeutic Procedures), data that reflect the degree to which the centres had complied with the requirements of the therapy standards.69% of the centres returned the questionnaire. The centres included predominantly agreed that th...

Hospital worker: 'It's their pensions too'

FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:49:57 +0100

Mary Locke, 55, a ward housekeeper at a hospital in Birmingham, thinks the government's pension plans are especially hard on the young (Source: FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare)

Strike means delayed operations

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:42:38 +0100

Hospital managers say Wednesday's public sector pensions strike means thousands of non-emergency operations will be postponed. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Pensions strike will hit thousands of NHS operations, says Andrew Lansley

Telegraph Health — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:02:00 +0100

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley calls on NHS staff to "put patients first" ahead of planned public sector pensions strike, which officials say will reduce NHS working capacity by 20pc. (Source: Telegraph Health)