http://www.circlehealth.co.uk2010-09-09T14:15:25umbracoCircle is Europe's largest healthcare partnership, building and operating a network of UK hospitals co-owned by the clinicians and staff who work in them. All with one objective: to put patients at the centre of everything we do.enhttp://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/at-home-with-ali-parsa2010-09-09T14:15:54http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/at-home-with-ali-parsaThe Times recently ran an personal profile of Ali Parsa, interleaving his views on private healthcare with his skills at Iranian cookery! Read more.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/competition-in-the-nhs-is-bringing-positive-results,-say-new-studies2010-09-09T14:15:53http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/competition-in-the-nhs-is-bringing-positive-results,-say-new-studiesTwo separate studies reveal that the introduction of patient choice and competition between hospitals in England have brought strong benefits.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-march/at-home-with-ali-parsa2010-09-09T14:15:53http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-march/at-home-with-ali-parsaThe Times recently ran an personal profile of Ali Parsa, interleaving his views on private healthcare with his skills at Iranian cookery! Read more.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/the-bbc-comes-to-circlebath2010-09-09T14:15:53http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/the-bbc-comes-to-circlebathThe ancient Greeks believed you couldn’t enjoy good health in a bad building. The BBC’s Culture Show, broadcast 3 June at 7pm, devoted a sizeable part of its slot to hospital architecture – with CircleBath the star of the show. Visit CircleBath's home page and click "Culture Show" in the video strip.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/open-house-at-gp-surgeries2010-09-09T14:15:53http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/open-house-at-gp-surgeriesYour future GP surgery may offer legal advice, gardening and a café. Writing in The Times, Hattie Garlick reports on a pioneering project.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/bma-says-doctors-with-inadequate-english-must-not-be-allowed-to-practice-in-the-uk2010-09-09T14:15:52http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/bma-says-doctors-with-inadequate-english-must-not-be-allowed-to-practice-in-the-ukThe BMA has called for better regulation and language tests for overseas doctors, following the case of a German GP whose poor English led to the accidental death of a patient.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/doctors'-leaders-call-for-closure-of-darzi's-polyclinics2010-09-09T14:15:52http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/doctors'-leaders-call-for-closure-of-darzi's-polyclinicsPolyclinics and GP-led health centres are not cost-effective and should be closed, the BMA has said.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/assura-reports-strong-increase-in-revenues-and-trading-profits-2010-09-09T14:15:52http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/assura-reports-strong-increase-in-revenues-and-trading-profits-The pharmacy business has announced that it is now profitable, with only £9.5m of debt to be repaid before 2013 and a new £30m credit facility on 'improved terms' from Santander . http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/personal-health-budgets-to-allow-patients-to-choose-between-private-and-nhs-care2010-09-09T14:15:52http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/personal-health-budgets-to-allow-patients-to-choose-between-private-and-nhs-careEight projects, in which patients receive personal budgets from the NHS to spend on the healthcare of their choice, are being trialled across the country.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/'the-nhs-must-take-its-medicine-too'2010-09-09T14:15:52http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/'the-nhs-must-take-its-medicine-too'Simon Heffer argues, in the Telegraph, that the recovery of the UK economy will be hampered unless the NHS is forced to join other government departments and cut its budget.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/bma-survey-finds-doctors'-jobs-under-threat-and-hospitals-scaling-back-on-treatment2010-09-09T14:15:51http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/bma-survey-finds-doctors'-jobs-under-threat-and-hospitals-scaling-back-on-treatmentThousands of doctors face being made redundant or not replaced if they leave, while many hospitals are reducing treatments, according to a survey by the BMA.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/nhs-trust-advertises-£1,000-a-day-management-job,-even-though-hospitals-are-being-urged-to-make-efficiency-savings2010-09-09T14:15:51http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/nhs-trust-advertises-£1,000-a-day-management-job,-even-though-hospitals-are-being-urged-to-make-efficiency-savingsAn NHS trust in Essex is advertising for a 'Turnaround Director' to devise and implement efficiency and cost saving measures.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/government-warned-it-faces-a-'crisis'-if-it-touches-nhs-pensions2010-09-09T14:15:51http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/government-warned-it-faces-a-'crisis'-if-it-touches-nhs-pensionsThe BMA has warned the Government not to meddle with the NHS pensions scheme, or risk facing 'a crisis' in the health service.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/nhs-providers-need-'more-co-operation-and-less-competition'2010-09-09T14:15:51http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/nhs-providers-need-'more-co-operation-and-less-competition'Healthcare providers need to co-operate rather than compete to make the NHS more cost-effective, a group of medical bodies and unions has said. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/cutting-nhs-spending-can-save-lives,-argues-think-tank-director2010-09-09T14:15:51http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/cutting-nhs-spending-can-save-lives,-argues-think-tank-directorRingfencing the NHS budget amounts to defending the indefensible, says David Green, director of the think tank, Civitas.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/early-discharge-and-readmission-of-patients-costing-nhs-£16bn-a-year2010-09-09T14:15:50http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/early-discharge-and-readmission-of-patients-costing-nhs-£16bn-a-yearNew figures show that the readmission of patients who were discharged too early is costing the NHS £1.6bn a year.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/uk-has-'most-efficient'-health-service,-claims-left-wing-think-tank2010-09-09T14:15:50http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/uk-has-'most-efficient'-health-service,-claims-left-wing-think-tankThe UK has the most efficient health system, a study of seven industrialised countries has found.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/'the-june-budget-swings-and-roundabouts-for-the-nhs'2010-09-09T14:15:50http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/'the-june-budget-swings-and-roundabouts-for-the-nhs'John Appleby, of The King's Fund, argues that what the Chancellor is giving the health service with one hand is being taken away with the other.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/ex-chief-executive-of-nhs-trust-in-c-diff-case-receives-£190k-damages2010-09-09T14:15:50http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/ex-chief-executive-of-nhs-trust-in-c-diff-case-receives-£190k-damagesThe former chief executive at the centre of Britain's worst hospital outbreak of clostridium difficilie has won a six-figure damages claim.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/government's-planned-nhs-shake-up-hits-stumbling-block2010-09-09T14:15:50http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/government's-planned-nhs-shake-up-hits-stumbling-blockThe Government's white paper for health has been stalled by Treasury concerns over the amount of money being given to GPs.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/alliance-medical-has-one-month-to-find-£150m2010-09-09T14:15:49http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/alliance-medical-has-one-month-to-find-£150mBritain’s biggest independent provider of MRI scans to the NHS is in negotiations with its lending syndicate to borrow £150m and stave off possible bankruptcy.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/hospitals-set-to-lose-more-than-£1bn-in-funding2010-09-09T14:15:49http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/hospitals-set-to-lose-more-than-£1bn-in-fundingNHS hospitals could lose up to £1.5bn in funding a year under tough new Government rules on readmission.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/new-report-warns-of-challenges-ahead-in-devolving-power-to-gps2010-09-09T14:15:49http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/new-report-warns-of-challenges-ahead-in-devolving-power-to-gpsSix national organisations, including the Kings Fund, have outlined the challenges the Government will face in devolving power to GPs in a new report out today.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/'it's-not-all-smooth-sailing-for-the-government's-nhs-plans'2010-09-09T14:15:49http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/'it's-not-all-smooth-sailing-for-the-government's-nhs-plans'The problems facing the health secretary's bold reform plans, including giving the public a say in closing hospital units, are discussed in the Guardian blog.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/nhs-spared-budget-cuts2010-09-09T14:15:49http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/nhs-spared-budget-cutsThe NHS was one of only two government departments not to have its spending slashed in yesterday's emergency budget.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/emergency-budget-commentators-argue-for-removal-of-nhs-ringfencing2010-09-09T14:15:48http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/emergency-budget-commentators-argue-for-removal-of-nhs-ringfencingOn the eve of George Osborne's emergency budget, commentators from both the left and right of the political spectrum are arguing for the ringfencing around the NHS budget to be taken down.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/£850m-to-be-cut-from-nhs2010-09-09T14:15:48http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/£850m-to-be-cut-from-nhsThe health secretary has said he will cut £850m from NHS management budgets over the next four years.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/think-tank-offers-to-show-government-how-to-improve-public-services-even-after-making-cuts2010-09-09T14:15:48http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/think-tank-offers-to-show-government-how-to-improve-public-services-even-after-making-cutsA leading think tank has joined forces with the heads of 40 government agencies to offer a way forward on health and other public services once cuts have been made.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/gp-in-right-to-die-controversy-faces-new-police-inquiry2010-09-09T14:15:47http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/gp-in-right-to-die-controversy-faces-new-police-inquiryA doctor who helped at least 18 patients to die, but was cleared of murder five years ago, may be brought back to court after suggesting there may have been more victimshttp://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/government-drops-key-nhs-targets2010-09-09T14:15:47http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/government-drops-key-nhs-targetsAndrew Lansley, the health minister, has announced that many targets introduced under Labour will be scrapped or scaled back.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/prescription-cannabis-drug-launched-in-britain2010-09-09T14:15:47http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/prescription-cannabis-drug-launched-in-britainA prescription drug, which will be used for treating symptoms of multiple sclerosis, was approved in Britain on Friday.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/changes-planned-for-e-patient-care-records2010-09-09T14:15:47http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/changes-planned-for-e-patient-care-recordsThe Government has stopped short of scrapping electronic patient care records, but is making major changes, according to Pulse magazine.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/think-tank-report-says-nhs-can-save-£12bn-without-losing-a-single-doctor2010-09-09T14:15:47http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/think-tank-report-says-nhs-can-save-£12bn-without-losing-a-single-doctorThe 2020Health think tank's report outlines ways in which it says the NHS can save £12bn in a year, without cutting a single operation or doctor.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/gp-appointments-remain-inaccessible-to-many,-says-doh2010-09-09T14:15:46http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/gp-appointments-remain-inaccessible-to-many,-says-dohGPs have come under renewed attack from the Department of Health over their appointments system.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/gmc-condemns-lack-of-testing-of-european-doctors-as-german-locum-is-struck-off2010-09-09T14:15:46http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/gmc-condemns-lack-of-testing-of-european-doctors-as-german-locum-is-struck-offA German locum doctor has been struck off the medical register after accidentally killing a 70-year-old patient during his first shift as an out-of-hours GP in Britain.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/nhs-restructuring-to-pave-the-way-for-competition-with-private-sector2010-09-09T14:15:46http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/nhs-restructuring-to-pave-the-way-for-competition-with-private-sectorThe NHS is heading for its biggest structural upheaval in decades, according to a report in the Financial Times, which will leave it competing with the private and voluntary sectors for patients.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/stop-spending-on-the-nhs,-shadow-health-secretary-tells-government2010-09-09T14:15:45http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/stop-spending-on-the-nhs,-shadow-health-secretary-tells-governmentShadow health secretary, Andy Burnham, has called on the Government to halt its plans to increase NHS spending year on year or risk damaging other services.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/well-managed,-but-patient-services-may-suffer,-says-report-into-pfi-hospitals2010-09-09T14:15:45http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/well-managed,-but-patient-services-may-suffer,-says-report-into-pfi-hospitalsThe cost of PFI contracts offer limited scope for savings, which may have to be found in patient services, says a new report for the National Audit Office.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/government-orders-nhs-to-cut-the-'fat'-from-its-management-budgets2010-09-09T14:15:45http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/government-orders-nhs-to-cut-the-'fat'-from-its-management-budgetsHospital trusts will be forced to slash managment costs to 2008 budgets in a bid to cut out the 'fat' in the NHS, The Times reports.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/axe-falls-on-super-hospital-in-£2bn-of-treasury-cuts2010-09-09T14:15:45http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/axe-falls-on-super-hospital-in-£2bn-of-treasury-cutsA new super-hospital in the north is among one of 12 projects to be axed by the Government in a bid to save £2bn.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/london-hospitals-ration-operations-in-bid-to-slash-millions-from-budgets2010-09-09T14:15:44http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/london-hospitals-ration-operations-in-bid-to-slash-millions-from-budgetsNHS managers in London are attempting to save £65m by rationing basic procedures, according to the London Evening Standard. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/think-tank-pushes-for-huge-cuts-in-health-spending---and-pay-cut-for-doctors2010-09-09T14:15:44http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/think-tank-pushes-for-huge-cuts-in-health-spending---and-pay-cut-for-doctorsA report published today by the inedependent think tank, Reform, urges the Government to cut health spending by £20bn as part of its programme for tackling the public deficit.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/limited-benefits-of-e-patient-care-records-must-be-reviewed,-warns-new-report2010-09-09T14:15:44http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/limited-benefits-of-e-patient-care-records-must-be-reviewed,-warns-new-reportElectronic patient care records - a central plank of of the £12bn upgrade of the NHS IT system - have come under severe criticism.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/cheap-blood-clotting-drug-could-save-lives2010-09-09T14:15:43http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/cheap-blood-clotting-drug-could-save-livesThe use of a cheap blood-clotting drug could save 100,000 lives a year, according to a report in The Times. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/smoker's-lungs-kill-transplant-patient2010-09-09T14:15:43http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/smoker's-lungs-kill-transplant-patientA cystic fibrosis sufferer has died after receiving the lungs of a smoker. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/jury-remains-out-on-mobile-phones-and-cancer2010-09-09T14:15:43http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/jury-remains-out-on-mobile-phones-and-cancerPredictions of a 'brain tumour pandemic' caused by mobile phone use have been dismissed by British scientists involved in the study which threw up the findings. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/'incompetent-gp'-could-be-struck-off-medical-register2010-09-09T14:15:43http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/'incompetent-gp'-could-be-struck-off-medical-registerA German locum GP who accidentally killed a patient during his first UK shift has been found guilty of serious misconduct.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/revolution-in-liver-disease-treatment-on-its-way-says-harvard-team2010-09-09T14:15:42http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/revolution-in-liver-disease-treatment-on-its-way-says-harvard-teamA team at Harvard Medical School says it may soon be able to 'grow a liver in a lab' for transplation into humans, according to the Daily Telegraph. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/close-the-poverty-gap-and-cut-cancer-rates---report-out-today2010-09-09T14:15:42http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/close-the-poverty-gap-and-cut-cancer-rates---report-out-todayTackling deprivation could lead to a sharp drop in annual cancer cases, according to a new study reported in The Independent. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/the-bbc-comes-to-circlebath2010-09-09T14:15:42http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/the-bbc-comes-to-circlebathThe ancient Greeks believed you couldn’t enjoy good health in a bad building. The BBC’s Culture Show, broadcast 3 June at 7pm, devoted a sizeable part of its slot to hospital architecture – with CircleBath the star of the show. Visit CircleBath's home page and click "Culture Show" in the video strip.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/open-house-at-gp-surgeries2010-09-09T14:15:42http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/open-house-at-gp-surgeriesYour future GP surgery may offer legal advice, gardening and a café. Writing in The Times, Hattie Garlick reports on a pioneering project.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/nhs-trusts-preparing-to-bid-for-more-private-patients2010-09-09T14:15:41http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/nhs-trusts-preparing-to-bid-for-more-private-patientsSome of the country’s top NHS foundation trusts are planning to treat more private patients after the Government announced it would abolish a cap on the paying sick. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/larger-hospitals-could-be-better-for-patient-health2010-09-09T14:15:41http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-june/larger-hospitals-could-be-better-for-patient-healthDeath rates among patients admitted for planned operations are far greater at small hospitals than at larger units, an investigation by the Guardian has revealed. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/nhs-foundation-trusts-will-have-freedom-to-maximise-private-income-and-borrow-from-money-markets,-says-lansley2010-09-09T14:15:40http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/nhs-foundation-trusts-will-have-freedom-to-maximise-private-income-and-borrow-from-money-markets,-says-lansleyNHS foundation trusts will have the freedom to maximise private income and borrow from the money markets , under proposals put forward by health secretary Andrew Lansley. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/nhs-quangos-to-be-cut-in-half2010-09-09T14:15:40http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/nhs-quangos-to-be-cut-in-halfMany NHS bodies are to be abolished in an attempt by the Government to save £180m over the next five years.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/doubt-over-removal-of-dh-'shackles'2010-09-09T14:15:40http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/doubt-over-removal-of-dh-'shackles'Tensions are emerging in government plans to remove the “shackles” of central control by liberating foundation trusts and strengthening regulators.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/mps-to-hold-commissioning-inquiry2010-09-09T14:15:40http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/mps-to-hold-commissioning-inquiryThe Commons health committee is to carry out a follow up inquiry into commissioning, which it hopes will contribute to the white paper reforms.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/private-us-firm-advising-nhs-sees-surge-in-profits2010-09-09T14:15:39http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/private-us-firm-advising-nhs-sees-surge-in-profitsThe US group, UnitedHealth, which runs GPs' practices and advises PCTs in the UK, has reported a 30% leap in profits to $1.1bn in the last three months.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/gps-need-cultural-shift-to-take-on-commissioning-role,-says-think-tank-lead2010-09-09T14:15:39http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/gps-need-cultural-shift-to-take-on-commissioning-role,-says-think-tank-leadA culture change in the way GPs work is needed in order for commissioning to be successful, according to a member of a right-wing think tank.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/government-says-gps-can-outsource-commissioning-to-private-companies2010-09-09T14:15:39http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/government-says-gps-can-outsource-commissioning-to-private-companiesGPs have been told they can outsource commissioning to other organisations, including private companies, and are not expected to become managers under proposals contained in the health white paper.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/consultation-paper-on-commissioning-published-2010-09-09T14:15:39http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/consultation-paper-on-commissioning-published-The Department of Health has published a detailed document outlining how its plans for GP commissioning will work.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/hire-nhs-managers,-not-private-companies,-bma-leader-tells-gps2010-09-09T14:15:38http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/hire-nhs-managers,-not-private-companies,-bma-leader-tells-gpsGPs have been told by the chair of the BMA’s GP committee to turn to NHS managers for their commissioning support and advice, rather than to the private sector.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/president-of-us-healthcare-firm-praises-white-paper's-pro-market-agenda2010-09-09T14:15:38http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/president-of-us-healthcare-firm-praises-white-paper's-pro-market-agendaSimon Stevens, an NHS policy special advisor under Tony Blair, has welcomed the health white paper as a natural extension of the New Labour agenda.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/dh-asks-nhs-to-collect-'raft-of-data'-on-quality-of-care2010-09-09T14:15:38http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/dh-asks-nhs-to-collect-'raft-of-data'-on-quality-of-careThe Department of Health has issued a consultation document setting out 100 quality measures, as part of the coalition government's plan to abolish process targets. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/nhs-has-had-a-market-for-almost-20-years,-says-commentator2010-09-09T14:15:38http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/nhs-has-had-a-market-for-almost-20-years,-says-commentatorThe proposals contained in the health white paper are nothing new, but are simply an extension of Conservative reforms of the 1990's, one commentator has argued.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/white-paper-will-distract-from-the-'real-task'-of-clinically-led-service-change,-says-king's-fund2010-09-09T14:15:37http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/white-paper-will-distract-from-the-'real-task'-of-clinically-led-service-change,-says-king's-fundAnna Dixon, acting chief executive of the King's Fund, says the health white paper is unlikey to enthuse clinicians and could instead be a distraction to the real change that is needed in the health service.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/nhs-will-be-no-more-than-a-brand-in-a-few-years,-say-policy-commentators2010-09-09T14:15:37http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/nhs-will-be-no-more-than-a-brand-in-a-few-years,-say-policy-commentatorsAndrew Lansley's white paper signals the end of the NHS as a national service, and opens the door to comprehensive privatisation, says Seamas Milne, writing in the Guardian.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/more-than-200-gp-surgeries-now-run-by-private-companies2010-09-09T14:15:37http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/more-than-200-gp-surgeries-now-run-by-private-companiesThe growing commercialisation of primary care has been ‘substantially understated’, with private firms now running over 200 surgeries and health centres across England and many companies rapidly expanding their business, a study has shown. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/experts-predict-cost-of-reorganising-nhs-could-reach-£3bn2010-09-09T14:15:37http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/experts-predict-cost-of-reorganising-nhs-could-reach-£3bnAnalysts are warning that the costs of implementing Andrew Lansley's health reforms will spiral, as the BBC revealed that nearly £1.7bn has been set aside this year alone for reorganisation.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/commissioning-can't-be-left-to-gps-alone,-say-hospital-consultants2010-09-09T14:15:36http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/commissioning-can't-be-left-to-gps-alone,-say-hospital-consultantsSenior hospital clinicians have criticised the white paper for overlooking the role of the acute sector in the commissioning of services for patients.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/five-private-firms-prepare-to-move-in-on-gp-commissioning2010-09-09T14:15:36http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/five-private-firms-prepare-to-move-in-on-gp-commissioningA group of leading private companies is planning a major joint initiative to persuade GP consortiums to partner up with them, on the back of the Government’s White Paper on health.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/jpmorgan-says-white-paper-will-aid-the-private-sector2010-09-09T14:15:35http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/jpmorgan-says-white-paper-will-aid-the-private-sectorThe UK's largest independent provider of private healthcare has welcomed the white paper as a 'significant opportunity' for the private sector.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/consultancy-predicts-that-private-providers-will-fill-the-gap-as-local-health-systems-fail2010-09-09T14:15:35http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/consultancy-predicts-that-private-providers-will-fill-the-gap-as-local-health-systems-failIn a detailed review of the health white paper, the public services consultancy, Tribal, says the Government will expect, 'if not invite', the private sector to step in as NHS bodies fail to adapt to the change.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/private-providers-could-cause-nhs-to-lose-vital-organisational-skills-by-picking-out-the-best-talent,-says-nhs-chief-executive2010-09-09T14:15:35http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/private-providers-could-cause-nhs-to-lose-vital-organisational-skills-by-picking-out-the-best-talent,-says-nhs-chief-executiveSir David Nicholson, chief executive of the NHS, has said that preventing the loss of organisational skills in the health service will not be easy following the publication of the white paper.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/white-paper-reveals-its-pro-market-agenda-and-potential-for-private-sector2010-09-09T14:15:34http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/white-paper-reveals-its-pro-market-agenda-and-potential-for-private-sectorHospitals are to be introduced to market forces, be freed from Treasury control, and allowed to borrow 'off balance sheet' under proposals contained in the new health white paper.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/private-companies-see-white-paper-as-chance-to-expand-their-role-2010-09-09T14:15:34http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/private-companies-see-white-paper-as-chance-to-expand-their-role-Private firms are aiming to to gain an unprecedented foothold in the healthcare system once GPs start spending the £80bn of NHS funds that has been allocated to them in the white paper.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/think-tanks-and-health-organisations-respond-to-the-white-paper2010-09-09T14:15:34http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/think-tanks-and-health-organisations-respond-to-the-white-paperThere has been a mixed response to the white paper's move towards a more competitive health system, with some calling it 'reckless' and others welcoming the shift.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/care-quality-ratings-dropped-for-hospital-trusts2010-09-09T14:15:33http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/care-quality-ratings-dropped-for-hospital-trustsThe Care Quality Commission has dropped its annual review of the NHS after coming under criticism for awarding hospitals a 'good' rating, despite later investigations finding wards with bloody instruments and soiled bedshttp://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/think-tank-says-lansley's-reform-plans-'could-set-the-nhs-back-three-years'2010-09-09T14:15:33http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/think-tank-says-lansley's-reform-plans-'could-set-the-nhs-back-three-years'The Government's white paper on health could set the NHS back at least three years relative to what could be achieved without any structural change, according to recent analysis.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/health-white-paper-due-out-this-afternoon2010-09-09T14:15:33http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/health-white-paper-due-out-this-afternoonAndrew Lansley, the health secretary, is due to release a white paper this afternoon that commentators have forecast will result in the biggest restructuring of the NHS in a decade.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/lansley's-nhs-reforms-'will-open-the-door-to-unchecked-privatisation',-say-critics2010-09-09T14:15:33http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/lansley's-nhs-reforms-'will-open-the-door-to-unchecked-privatisation',-say-criticsThe Government has announced its plans to give GPs £80bn of the NHS budget amid fierce criticism from unions and the Opposition, and warnings from think tanks.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/clinicians'-jobs-under-threat-as-trusts-plan-redundancies2010-09-09T14:15:32http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/clinicians'-jobs-under-threat-as-trusts-plan-redundanciesAt least 10,000 NHS jobs are earmarked to be cut despite promises from ministers that front line health services will be protected, a survey has found.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/circle-moves-one-step-closer-in-bid-to-manage-nhs-hospital2010-09-09T14:15:32http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/circle-moves-one-step-closer-in-bid-to-manage-nhs-hospitalA debt-ridden NHS hospital is to become the first in the UK to be privately managed after the only public bidders to run the operation pulled out. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/study-claims-'exhausted'-doctors-pose-threat-to-patient-safety2010-09-09T14:15:32http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/study-claims-'exhausted'-doctors-pose-threat-to-patient-safetyA year-long study of doctors by the NHS Practitioner Healthcare Programme has uncovered problems ranging from depression and anxiety to sheer exhaustion.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/hospitals-will-receive-payment-directly-from-gps,-in-'revolutionary'-white-paper2010-09-09T14:15:32http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/hospitals-will-receive-payment-directly-from-gps,-in-'revolutionary'-white-paperAndrew Lansley has resolved disputes over the health white paper to announce that primary care for patients will be the responsibility solely of doctors.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/hospital-operating-theatres-open-but-lying-idle,-study-claims2010-09-09T14:15:31http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/hospital-operating-theatres-open-but-lying-idle,-study-claimsHospital operating theatres are lying idle for more than half of the time they are open, with doctors and nurses routinely starting late and finishing early, a major study has found.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/cut-nhs-budget-while-building-better-relations-with-clinicians,-says-chair-of-health-select-committee2010-09-09T14:15:31http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/cut-nhs-budget-while-building-better-relations-with-clinicians,-says-chair-of-health-select-committeeStephen Dorrell, the new chair of the health select committee, has said the extra money being poured into the health service should be used to obtain 'real reform', by building good relationships with clinical staff who might otherwise frustrate attempts to redesign the health service.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/treasury-looks-at-'joining-up'-health-with-other-services-for-greater-efficiency2010-09-09T14:15:31http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/treasury-looks-at-'joining-up'-health-with-other-services-for-greater-efficiencyA plan to save up to £100bn by cutting duplication between locally-run public services, including health, is being considered by the Government.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/'the-nhs-may-not-survive-this-volcano-of-ideology'2010-09-09T14:15:31http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/'the-nhs-may-not-survive-this-volcano-of-ideology'The NHS has a chronic disease – politicians' obsessive compulsive disorder, compelling them to reorganise the whole machine, argues one commentator.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/commissioning-overhaul-will-'open-door-to-private-sector'2010-09-09T14:15:30http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/commissioning-overhaul-will-'open-door-to-private-sector'The Government’s shake-up of primary care commissioning will increase the opportunities for the private sector to advise on how to spend NHS cash, a study has found. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/£330m-wasted-annually-by-the-nhs-through-'unnecessary'-hospital-treatments2010-09-09T14:15:30http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/£330m-wasted-annually-by-the-nhs-through-'unnecessary'-hospital-treatmentsThe Nuffield Trust has warned that £330m a year is being wasted by the health service in treating patients as emergency hospital admissions, when they could be seen by their GP.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/pm's-salary-dwarfed-by-more-than-300-nhs-executives2010-09-09T14:15:30http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/pm's-salary-dwarfed-by-more-than-300-nhs-executivesAn investigation has found that 320 hospital, ambulance and health authority chiefs are paid more than David Cameron's annual salary of £142,500.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/government's-nhs-plans-face-delay2010-09-09T14:15:30http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/government's-nhs-plans-face-delayThe health secretary's plans for a radical change in the way the NHS works face delay after they were rejected by the committee that resolves disputes between the government’s coalition partners.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/government-says-'evidence-based'-goals-will-replace-nhs-targets2010-09-09T14:15:29http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/government-says-'evidence-based'-goals-will-replace-nhs-targetsThe health secretary has announced that hundreds of new quality measures, identified by the NHS itself, will replace Labour's health targets.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/uk-hospitals-are-lagging-behind-other-industrialised-nations,-claims-new-report2010-09-09T14:15:29http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/uk-hospitals-are-lagging-behind-other-industrialised-nations,-claims-new-reportThe UK has fewer doctors and fewer hospital beds than the average industrialised country, according to a new report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/foundation-trusts-see-their-profits-declining2010-09-09T14:15:29http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/foundation-trusts-see-their-profits-decliningThe financial fortunes of foundation trusts slipped in the last months of 2009-10, the latest report from their regulator Monitor shows.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/nhs-could-face-deficit-of-more-than-£1bn-with-new-gp-commissioning-role2010-09-09T14:15:29http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/nhs-could-face-deficit-of-more-than-£1bn-with-new-gp-commissioning-roleHanding the NHS commissioning budget over to GPs could cause the NHS to generate a gross annual deficit of at least £1.2bn, research due to be published soon suggests.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/gp-pay-to-drop-by-a-quarter2010-09-09T14:15:29http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-july/gp-pay-to-drop-by-a-quarterGP pay is set to reduce by a quarter from its 2005 peak after the second of two successive public-sector pay freezes outlined by the Government.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/circle-at-the-cutting-edge-of-reshaping-healthcare2010-09-09T14:15:28http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/circle-at-the-cutting-edge-of-reshaping-healthcareA recent Telegraph article talks about Circle's Ali Parsa being "evangelical" about healthcare reform - and mentions his embrace of Health Secretary Andrew Lansley's views on liberating the NHS.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/circlebath-sponsors-pendragon-racing2010-09-09T14:15:28http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/circlebath-sponsors-pendragon-racingThe SouthWest is terrific cycling country... and one of its many racing teams, Pendragon, is connected to Circle in more ways than one. Not only is CircleBath's Sports Medicine speciality an official sponsor of the team, but Pendragon's Tour of Wessex is also co-sponsored by CircleBath.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/judicial-review-threatened-over-white-paper2010-09-09T14:15:27http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/judicial-review-threatened-over-white-paperA public sector union has threatened to take the government to judicial review if the white paper reforms are implemented without proper consultation.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/dh-explores-private-sector-involvement-in-nhs-professionals2010-09-09T14:15:27http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/dh-explores-private-sector-involvement-in-nhs-professionalsThe Department of Health has said it will explore options for private sector investment in NHS Professionals, which has 50,000 workers on its books and places staff for two million shifts a year at 77 health trusts.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/nhs-trusts-preparing-to-bid-for-more-private-patients2010-09-09T14:15:26http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/nhs-trusts-preparing-to-bid-for-more-private-patientsSome of the country's top NHS foundation trusts are planning to treat more private patients after the Government announced it would abolish a cap on the paying sick. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/independent-sector-healthcare-awards2010-09-09T14:15:26http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/independent-sector-healthcare-awardsSponsors of the Independent Healthcare Awards 2010, Laing & Buisson, have announced the final shortlist for the 2010 Awards: Circle has reached the final in three different categories.http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/private-operations-on-nhs-will-lead-to-'two-tier-system'2010-09-09T14:15:26http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/private-operations-on-nhs-will-lead-to-'two-tier-system'Government plans to let hospitals carry out limitless private operations could mean a 'two-tier' health service, a minister has warned. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/cut-in-doctors'-hours-leads-to-rise-in-waiting-lists2010-09-09T14:15:26http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-august/cut-in-doctors'-hours-leads-to-rise-in-waiting-listsHospital waiting times have begun to rise again after years of decline following the introduction of European rules on junior doctors’ working hours. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-september/bath-launches-advertising-campaign2010-09-09T14:15:25http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/news/2010-september/bath-launches-advertising-campaignCircleBath's new print advertising campaign launched in August... and it's already creating a stir! Click on any image in the filmstrip to see the full-size version. Of course, if you have any questions about the hospital or its services, feel free to give us a call. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/our-hospitals/bath/news/bath-launches-advertising-campaign2010-09-09T13:58:06http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/our-hospitals/bath/news/bath-launches-advertising-campaignCircleBath's new print advertising campaign launched in August... and it's already creating a stir! Click on any image in the filmstrip to see the full-size version. Of course, if you have any questions about the hospital or its services, feel free to give us a call. http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/circle-events/circle-academy-conference-series-12010-09-07T15:31:22http://www.circlehealth.co.uk/circle-events/circle-academy-conference-series-1I am pleased to announce the launch event of the Circle Academy Conference Series.