Newcastle

Action Planned (AI summary) The Trust has agreed a plan for achieving a 24/7 MT service, including a joint INR rota with colleagues at James Cook University Hospital, but the limiting factor to expansion is the approval of funding to support recruitment. If funding were approved, they envisage being able to implement an 8am to 8pm service within 6 weeks, with progression to a 24/7 service in the following 6 months.

Action Planned (AI summary) The Trust will strengthen pathways to ensure appropriate cultures are undertaken in a timely manner when a patient is suspected of having an infection, including wound swabs, and that, where clinically appropriate, patients are commenced promptly on antibiotics and compliance with these standards is regularly monitored.

Action Planned (AI summary) NHS England is developing a Single Patient Record (SPR) to unify patient data from multiple sources into one platform for clinicians, which will allow them to view a patient’s test results and diagnostic activity, which will prevent important patient information from being missed by clinicians.

Action Planned (AI summary) Cleric Computer Services will implement minor changes to their system, including opening records in a read-only state requiring users to request a lock, and streamlining the mechanism to request a lock release.

Action Planned (AI summary) OPSS will write to the British Standards Institution to recommend updating the Toy Safety Standard EN71 to reflect the risks of helium inhalation. OPSS will also write to relevant trade organizations and Local Authority Trading Standards authorities advising them of OPSS’ concerns about the risks posed by helium-filled balloons.

Action Planned (AI summary) Vocare has reviewed and updated its induction process, including online training availability and improved system training. They have also implemented processes for supervision and mentoring of GP trainees and new GPs, with robust clinical governance processes to identify and address incidents of concern. NHS England is developing a new Sepsis Improvement Programme, aiming to support local systems to implement improvements and address key areas identified in the national learning review. The updated NICE guidance on sepsis recognition and management is expected to be published in December 2024.

Action Planned (AI summary) The council is proposing to install signage on both sides of Doxford Parkway to direct pedestrians to nearby crossing points.

Action Planned (AI summary) While the Department for Transport believes there is already an adequate framework, the DVSA will review all learning materials where emergency braking skills are covered at the next opportunity and consider whether these sections could benefit from additional or stronger information.

Action Planned (AI summary) J M Nixon Son has revisited and made changes to its cattle movement plan, including no longer using a second holding area, implementing a new quadbike system for checking the track for public, and placing 'Warning Cattle being Moved' signs. Defra is undertaking reforms to the rights of way system, including a 'Right to Apply' provision for landowners to divert or extinguish paths and guidance to encourage removal of paths from private areas. The response also details HSE's existing investigation procedures and analysis of cattle incidents.

Action Planned (AI summary) Newcastle City Council commissioned two independent Road Safety Audits and will install text on the kerb edge at pedestrian crossing points stating 'Look both ways'. Other minor scheme improvements include amending tactile paving, revising the phasing of lights, and replacing damage on a splinter island.

Action Planned (AI summary) The Department for Education highlights the publication of comprehensive guidance by Universities UK and Newcastle University, "Initiations at UK Universities", which addresses the risks of initiations and excessive alcohol consumption among students. The guidance includes recommendations on staff training, disciplinary processes, reporting systems, and awareness raising. Newcastle University and the Students' Union have undertaken several actions, including enhanced training for student leaders, revised guidance, increased communications and awareness campaigns, and closer collaboration between university departments and the Students’ Union, with plans for continued monitoring and embedding of these practices. Following a roundtable event, Universities UK and Newcastle University published guidance to raise awareness of the dangers of initiations and excessive alcohol consumption among students. Public Health England is engaged in several actions targeted at young people about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption. The Department of Health and Social Care will work with government colleagues and other health sector bodies to determine the best course of action regarding the risks of alcohol consumption. The Secretary of State for Education has deferred a response until the department has worked with colleagues in the health and education sectors on designing measures to raise awareness of the risks of alcohol consumption and initiation events. NUS plans to convene a meeting with the Home Office, Department for Education, Public Health England, Universities UK, and the Office for Students before the end of March 2019 to explore collaborative work on responsible alcohol consumption, potentially scaling up the Alcohol Impact program.

Action Planned (AI summary) Cumbria County Council will review signage at the collision location with the police and install any measures before the end of March. They will also look at the appropriateness of the 60 mph speed limit, but any changes will require a consultation and legal process taking at least 6 months.

Action Planned (AI summary) The council is implementing a scheme to improve highway drainage by replacing side gullies with more effective open gullies, expecting completion by the end of July 2016. They have arranged for temporary flood warning signs to be deployed until the works are complete.