Rethinking "Did not attend"

The NHS in Nottingham has been encouraging medical professionals to record as "Was not Brought" rather than "Did not attend" when a child does not appear for an appointment - and review whether someone needs to contact the family.

The suggestion has been made to me that we should consider adopting this in Cumbria. Perhaps one to put to the Trusts and CCGs?

Free WiFi at WCH and North Cumberland Infirmary

Free public WiFi is now available at West Cumberland Hospital and at the North Cumberland Infirmary at Carlisle.

Free public Wi-Fi available to all patients and visitors was launched at North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust (NCUH) shortly before Christmas (Monday 18 December).  

The Trust was one of only 16 in the country to take part in the initial phase of NHS Digital’s plans for free Wi-Fi in all NHS healthcare settings and IT staff have been working to introduce the new system before Christmas.

The Wi-Fi now available at both The Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle and West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven and means that patients and visitors will be able to browse the internet and use apps while at either hospital. Patients just need to choose ‘NHS Wi-Fi’ on their smart device and follow the registration process to gain access.

Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT) and North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group will also be using the new system in their hospitals and GP practices, switching from their current supplier in the New Year.

Stephen Harrison, IT manager at North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This is fantastic news for our patients and visitors, it is something we have received many requests for and we’re delighted to now be able to offer this service in the Trust’s hospitals.”

Michael Smillie, executive director of IT for NCUH and CPFT, said: “Being in hospital can sometimes be isolating and being able to go online for free, using their own devices, will allow patients to stay up to date with news, access social media, keep in touch with family and friends and browse the web.

“The Trust is always looking to improve services for our patients and visitors, and this will continue as we develop our public Wi-Fi coverage over the coming months.”

How to access the free Wi-Fi

PM Thanks NHS staff

The Prime Minister has thanked all NHS staff for the fantastic work they do to keep the service going and care for the sick

A Happy New Year to all NHS Staff

A Happy New Year 2018 to all the wonderful people who make the NHS the service it is: to all the GPs, hospital doctors, Nurse Practitioner's and other nurses and Physician Associations, to all the dentists and midwives, and to all the supporting staff.

A special thanks to all those who work in Cumbria's NHS, whether in hospitals like the West Cumberland Hospital, FGH, Westmorland Hospital, North Cumberland Infirmary, and our community hospitals, or in general practice.