News round-up (27 November)

Here are some of the stories that caught our eye this week…

Amazon launches online pharmacy in the US

PharmaTimes reports that Amazon has launched a new online pharmacy service in the US.  

Users can order prescription medication for home delivery using their phones or laptops.

Earlier this year Amazon applied to trademark the name “Amazon Pharmacy” in the UK.

CQC statement on designated settings for COVID-19 patients leaving hospital

The Care Quality Commission is carrying out infection prevention control (IPC) inspections to check on new designated settings taking COVID-19 patients discharged from hospital.

As of 18 November there were 83 CQC assured designated settings in 74 local authorities, plus a further 27 ‘alternative settings’ in NHS premises. 

The scheme is aimed at avoiding the spread of COVID in care homes.

Online Medical Trauma Resilience Training Launches in Wales

An online medical trauma resilience course has launched in Wales to help support NHS doctors and nurses in the midst of the pandemic.

The MedTRim course for staff exposed to trauma is based on resilience training used by the military. 

Digital government during the coronavirus crisis

A report from the Institute for Government looks at how the coronavirus crisis is accelerating the digital transformation of public service delivery and government use of data.

The report says the government must learn quickly from what has, and has not, worked. 

It also warns that the opportunities offered by better use of data and technology could be squandered unless the government is more open about how it uses and shares people’s data.

Acute Hospital Care at Home scheme aims to help with COVID-19 surge in US

The American government’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced new steps to help hospitals manage the upsurge  of new COVID-19 patients 

Healthcare IT news reports that measures include new allowances for telehealth and remote monitoring as part of the Acute Hospital Care at Home programme.

The agency is also expanding its Hospitals Without Walls initiative, with more regulatory flexibility for ambulatory surgery centres to provide care as a “relief valve” to help overburdened hospitals.

Arthritis drug effective in treating sickest COVID-19 patients

Critically ill patients with COVID-19 treated with an arthritis drug that reduces inflammation are more likely to have improved outcomes, an international study supported by NIHR has found.

The ‘platform trial’ REMAP-CAP trial evaluates the effect of treatments on a combination of survival and length of time patients need support in an intensive care unit.

AHSN Network generates £500m of investment

New figures show the  Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) has generated almost £500m inward investment over the past two years. And close to 2,000 jobs have been created or protected during this time.