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Health secretary plans league table to rank NHS trusts despite staff and leadership concerns
The UK health secretary, Wes Streeting, has introduced plans to rate NHS hospitals in a league table format, identifying England’s best and worst performing trusts. This initiative is designed to improve standards and will measure trusts based on patient wait times, financial health, and leadership quality. NHS England will oversee the performance review, with the table made publicly available and regularly updated. While Streeting argues this will spotlight areas needing improvement and encourage competition, many NHS leaders and staff express concerns that this "naming and shaming" approach may demoralise staff and undermine the public’s trust in their local hospitals. They contend that high-demand areas and those with staffing shortages may face unfair scrutiny, with some arguing that league tables alone do not necessarily drive genuine improvements in patient care. The plan includes additional funding for high-performing trusts and the implementation of specialist teams to assist those falling short. Healthwatch England supports the concept for its potential to reduce care disparities, while nursing and medical professionals warn that focusing solely on rankings may fail to address deeper, systemic challenges within the NHS.
Source: The Guardian, 13 November 2024
See also: Healthwatch England – New measures aim to improve NHS performance
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GambleAware report highlights Britain's lenient stance on gambling advertising compared to Europe
A new report commissioned by GambleAware reveals that Great Britain lags behind other European nations in regulating gambling advertising, amid mounting concerns over gambling-related harms, particularly among children. While countries like Italy, Spain, and Germany have implemented stringent restrictions, Britain maintains one of the most permissive frameworks for gambling ads, a stance rooted in legislation introduced in 2007. GambleAware is urging the government to impose stronger restrictions, including pre-watershed broadcast bans, online content limits, and advertising bans in sports, or at minimum, to enforce mandatory health warnings similar to those on tobacco products. The report also challenges previous government claims that no evidence links advertising to increased gambling-related harm, presenting data indicating significant risks and normalisation of gambling, particularly for young audiences. As public support for tougher regulations grows, the government’s response remains under review, with no clear commitments from the government on additional gambling regulations.
Source: The Guardian, 11 November 2024
See also: GambleAware - New study shows Great Britain lags behind Europe on restricting gambling marketing as GambleAware issues an urgent call to protect public from gambling harm
Editorial note: Media stories covering other harmful consumer products, such alcohol, unhealthy food and drink and gambling, are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries. GambleAware is funded by the voluntary donations from the gambling industry.
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Obesity and loneliness reach new highs in Scotland as hazardous drinking declines
The 2023 Scottish Health Survey reveals a surge in obesity rates, with nearly a third of adults now classified as obese—a significant rise from two decades ago. Despite relatively stable levels of overweight adults since 2008, 64% of Scots are considered to have a BMI and waist circumference that endanger their health, increasing risks of diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. While obesity-related health risks grow, the report also notes a drop in harmful drinking behaviours, particularly among men, though food insecurity has worsened, reaching its highest levels since data collection began in 2017. In addition, vaping has become more common, especially among younger adults, and loneliness remains a pressing issue, especially for those in poorer areas and young adults. Responding to these findings, officials stress the need for comprehensive public health measures, with advocates calling for targeted support in addressing the broad challenges impacting Scotland’s health landscape.
Source: The Telegraph, 12 November 2024
See also: Scottish Government – The Scottish Health Survey 2023 – volume 1
Editorial note: Media stories covering other harmful consumer products, such alcohol and unhealthy food and drink and gambling, are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.
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