ghp June 2015

ghp June 2015 | 5 Medical Staffing Agency Responds to 7-Day NHS Pledge Commenting on the Government’s outline plans, Nick Simpson, CEO of MSI Group said; “As an organisation which is on the front line of recruitment into the NHS, we understand the direct correlation between timely access to healthcare professionals and patient safety. On this basis, we welcome proposals to extend the availability to access to GPs. However, it is perhaps needless to say, that an increase in availability of front line services will exacerbate existing GP and Nurse Practitioner shortages.” “It’s no secret that the NHS is already struggling to recruit enough GPs and other health professionals. Indeed, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has estimated a fourfold increase in unfilled posts since 2010. According to analysis by health think-tank The King’s Fund, this shortage can be attributed to fewer GP training posts being filled, coupled with more family doctors choosing to take early retirement.” “It’s encouraging to see that the RCGP, in conjunc- tion with NHS England, has set out a 10-point plan which addresses the need to pipeline future talent. However, until better workforce planning strategies are in place, the success of a truly seven-day NHS rests on the short term availability of locum doctors and agency nurses. There are simply not enough GPs to fill current permanent positions and extending opening hours will only stretch available resources. Without the use of agency staff, the health service would fall over. Cameron’s proposals will only compound the need for flexible staffing solutions to maintain quality front line services.” In his first major speech since the General Election, David Cameron outlined plans to create a “truly seven-day NHS” by extending GP opening hours. Specialist healthcare recruitment agency, MSI Group, supports these proposals but warns that staff shortages will challenge the viability of this proposal. news Gail S. Page Appointed as Executive Chairperson Of NX Prenatal Inc. NX Prenatal Inc., a privately held women’s healthcare molecular diagnostic company have announced that Gail S. Page has joined their Board of Directors and will serve as Executive Chair person. Ms. Page will be working with NX Prenatal to guide the commercial develop- ment of blood-based tests to support improved pregnancy outcomes. “NX Prenatal has shown that its non-invasive technology can be used to identify biomarkers early in pregnancy that correlate with known adverse outcomes, such as spontaneous preterm birth,” noted Ms. Page. “This is a well-defined unmet medical need and devel- oping blood based tests in this area will bring a much needed solution to physicians and patients alike. I look forward to working with the NX Prenatal team to develop a compre- hensive strategy that addresses this market opportunity which is clearly aligned with the current vision of physicians and payers to address early detection as opposed to treating costly outcomes downstream.” “We are very excited to have Gail’s depth and breadth of experience in the diagnostics field,” said Brian D. Brohman, NX Prenatal’s Chief Executive Officer. “Gail has been in- volved in the commercialisation of a number of women’s health diagnostic tests and will add great insight, passion and experience to our team, as we seek to launch breakthrough products than can significantly impact the health of mothers and their new-borns, and help manage one of the industry’s most costly outcomes in preterm birth.” Ms. Page served as the President, CEO and Director of Vermillion, Inc. from 2006 through 2012. Under her leadership, Vermillion successfully raised over $100M in funding, as it developed and commercially launched the first proteomic IVDMIA FDA cleared blood test to help diagnose ovarian cancer. Prior to Vermillion, Ms. Page served on the executive management teams of Laboratory Corporation of America and Luminex. Appointments Frederic Legrand - COMEO / Shutterstock.com