East London

Noted (AI summary) Wood Street Health Centre audited patients prescribed Zopiclone/Zolpidem, is reviewing their medication, has moved to acute prescriptions only (max 2-week supply), instructs 'as required' use on prescriptions, informed local pharmacists, and prepared a new shared care policy; 69 patients have had their medication stopped. North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) audited prescribing practice and revised its prescribing policy for hypnotics, is participating in a working group to improve medication monitoring across primary and secondary care, increased staffing in Crisis and Home Treatment teams, and ensured comprehensive documentation of patient information at handover. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the concerns raised and notes that NHS England is working to support prescribers in managing repeat prescribing; it also acknowledges actions being taken by Wood Street Health Centre and North East London NHS Foundation Trust.

Noted (AI summary) NHS England is increasing access to CYPMH services, with 702,000 children and young people receiving support in the 12 months to June 2023 and a 46% increase in the CYPMH workforce since the start of the LTP. They will also ensure regional leadership are aware of the report's findings and the Regulation 28 Working Group will discuss all reports received. NELFT will implement the Oxford Centre for Suicide Research’s model of risk formulation and co-produce safety plans with clients and families, including training and system changes to support the roll out. NHS North East London is developing a business case for additional CAMHS funding, including proposals for seven-day/evening working and face-to-face initial assessments. They are also reviewing the current clinical model and participating in transformation work via their Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Collaborative. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges concerns about CAMHS resourcing and highlights increased spending on mental health services and workforce development initiatives, including training programmes and a new suicide prevention strategy.

Noted (AI summary) The Trust is implementing a fully electronic outpatient outcome system and rolling out LUNA, a digital monitoring tool for patient tracking lists, expected by the end of September 2023. They have sought expert advice regarding limitations of the VTE risk assessment and will continue to monitor information from national bodies. The Department acknowledges the concerns raised, notes the actions taken by the Trust, including implementing a digital monitoring tool and seeking expert advice on VTE risk assessment, and refers to broader government efforts to advance patient safety.

Noted (AI summary) Amazon includes a warning on e-scooter product pages stating they are prohibited on public roads in the UK, makes the warning prominent with bold font and a link to government guidance, sends communications to selling partners to remove references to public road use, and publishes education for selling partners on local legal restrictions. Escooterclinic attributes the incident to reckless user behavior, not the vehicle itself. They advise legalizing scooters with regulations and compulsory protective gear/insurance, citing confusion caused by legal rental scooters. Selfridges ensures there are clearly visible messages in stores and on their website stating that e-scooters may not be lawfully ridden on public highways. The legal team has issued reminders to stores and digital teams regarding this matter and are exploring system-based solutions for safety advisory requirements. Halfords advises potential buyers about the legal restrictions on e-scooter use at all stages of the sales process, both in-store and online, using prominent signage, legal statements on price tickets and warranties, and colleague training. They are also pushing for regulation in any Transport Bill. The MPS has published information on the MPS public website regarding the illegality of e-scooters, provides a flowchart to officers on how to deal with illegal e-scooter use and sends letters to e-scooter retailers asking them to display prominent signs about the legality of e-scooters. The MPS disputes that there is a correlation between legal enforcement of e-scooters and number of deaths and states that policy regarding head protection for licensed e-scooters was a decision made by the Department for Transport and Transport for London. Harrods is preparing notices for display in the Technology department and on their website, clarifying the illegality of e-scooter use on public roads. They also recommend helmets to customers and are implementing age verification checks. TfL highlights safety measures in the e-scooter rental trials, including speed limits, always-on lights, and minimum wheel size. They also promote safety guidance and have worked with the MPS to raise awareness of the law regarding private e-scooters. Onboards displays helmets with scooters, offers helmet discounts, encourages helmet use in-store, and features helmeted riders in online media. They display a sign about the illegality of private e-scooter use, include a disclaimer on invoices and website footer, and do not sell scooters to under-18s. The DVSA has been conducting market surveillance and has sent warning letters to retailers selling e-scooters without proper warnings about illegal use on public land. The government encourages helmet use for e-scooter trials and will consult on helmet wearing for future regulation. Evolve Skateboards is reviewing safety and legal compliance globally, including the UK, with expected rollout by June 2023. They are also a founding member of a PMD safety group advising the Land Transport Safety and Regulation Bureau in Queensland, Australia.