Friday, 26 October 2018

Things in the library 26th October...

Things which shouldn't be here...
We seem to have a lot of lost clothing at the moment...surely someone is missing their coat and one sock...not all left by the same person as far as we know. Please ask around if any colleagues have lost anything or seem unsuitably dressed! The items will be taken to the General Office next week.




Things about neurodevelopmental disability...
This systematic review sought to assess the effectiveness of parenting interventions to increase parental self-efficacy (PSE) levels in parents of young children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Although written with low and middle income counties in mind the review covered studies from many countries so their findings may be of interest. The evidence suggested that parent training programmes have a significant effect on the enhancement of self-efficacy levels for parents of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The data offers three insights for healthcare providers who provide parent training. This review suggests that parents of children younger than 5 years of age are most likely to report a change in PSE levels following parent training. Secondly, data from this review confirm licenced interventions to have greater benefits to PSE than non-licenced interventions. This is not surprising as interventions with copyrights or trademark licencing have traditionally been developed and refined over several years, and their development is usually supported by published evidence of their efficacy. The final clinical implication is that healthcare practitioners other than psychologists are successfully able to implement training programmes that
enhance PSE.

Things about palliative care...
A cross-party group of MPs and Lords has examined how well the government is meeting its end of life care choice commitment to babies, children and young people in England with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. The commitment outlines six ways the government aims to support people approaching the end of their lives – but the reality is that the quality of palliative care children and families can access is patchy and depends on where in England they live. The report End of Life care : strengthening choice is available.

Things about servants...
(C) Chatsworth Estate
Hidden away in a part of Chatsworth – one of the most renowned English country houses – is an archive containing thousands of letters, diaries and correspondence from servants and staff who lived and worked at the estate between the 18th and 20th centuries. To uncover these stories and shed new light on the lives of servants and staff at Chatsworth, three PhD students from the University of Sheffield’s School of English have studied the previously untouched section of the archive for the first time. From dairy maids, to gardeners, upholsterers to governesses, findings from the research are changing our understanding of the lives of servants and staff at country house estates. Fascinating examples can be seen here and click here to access the database.

Things matched...
So all our volunteers for the Randomised Coffee trial have been matched and some have already made arrangements to meet...if you missed out this time we may run it again if it proves to be a success.

Things to make...
I'm feeling smug as I managed to make my Christmas cakes yesterday (though slightly nervous as they are the first ones made in my new oven)...it's the only Christmassy thing I do in October. With Halloween next week and lots of pumpkin 'insides' to use up there are some good recipes here from cake to soup



Don't forget we change the clocks this weekend - back 1 hour.

Friday, 19 October 2018

Things in the library 19th Oct...

Things about Child Health...
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has published Child health in 2030 in England: comparisons with other wealthy countries.  This report uses long-term historical data to project outcomes for children and young people’s health in 2030. The report concludes that whilst England is middle of the pack for some outcomes, on the majority England is likely to fall further behind other wealthy countries over the next decade.

Things about technology...
The Dept of Health & Social Care have issued a policy paper on The future of healthcare: our vision for digital, data and technology in health and care.
"Technology systems used daily across hospitals, GP surgeries, care homes, pharmacies and community care facilities don’t talk to each other, fail frequently and do not follow modern cyber security practices. As a result, some people are getting suboptimal care, staff are frustrated and money could be saved and released for the front line. Just being able to make the best use of mainstream products and services would transform health and social care in this country.
But it’s not just about getting the current systems to work better – our ambition should be for the use of the best technology available for the NHS and social care sector. The potential of cutting-edge technologies to support preventative, predictive and personalised care is huge."
The document covers guiding and architectural principles and the priorities for Infrastructure, digital services, Innovation, skills and culture. They have set up an online questionnaire for you to provide comments and feedback on the vision. The main audience for this will be innovators and suppliers of digital technology, health and care providers, and other organisations in the sector. However, anyone with an interest is welcome to share their views.

Things about FGM...
The Department for Education, the Department of Health and Social Care, and the Home Office have updated the Multi-agency statutory guidance on female genital mutilation.

Things about society...
The Festival of Social Sciences takes place in Sheffield 3-10 November...there are free events for all ages and interests, including talks, debates, performances, exhibitions and immersive experiences. Everything from a walking a tour of the Sheffield Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) to learn about Sheffield’s heat network  (deep underneath our city are 44 kilometres of pipework which carry hot water to hundreds of buildings to keep them heated) to multi-generational living.

Things about vulnerable babies...
A report published this week by the Children’s Commissioner for England, suggests there are 15,800 babies under the age of 1 considered by local authorities to be vulnerable or highly vulnerable and at risk of harm, but still living at home. The report, ‘A Crying Shame’ looks at how many babies might be vulnerable to severe harm.



Things to read...
Our next reading group is on 7th November where we will be talking about a ghost story written in  Henry James book 'Turn of the Screw'. All welcome 17:15 for about 1 hour in Illingworth library...refreshments provided.






Things to eat...
I think this Chicken & leek filo pie looks lovely and can use up left over roast chicken if that is what you are planning for the weekend.








Friday, 12 October 2018

Things in the library 12 Oct...

Might children rust...

Certainly a danger of that if left outside in today's rain! However this is a serious editorial about the risks of supplementary oxygen in acute illness. It's also not very often that one of the references dates from 1774!


Things about online forums...
This research sought to determine if the health advice provided in online discussion forms aimed at parents of young children is accurate and in agreement with evidence found in evidence-based resources and to discover whether or not these forums are an avenue for misinformation. They concluded that: "While roughly half of the health-related advice provided in online discussion forums aimed at parents of young children is accurate, only a small portion of the advice is incorrect; therefore, these sources are not a major concern for the spread of misinformation."
If you want help to identify the best available evidence then you can request training or ask us to do a literature search for you.

Things about integrated care in South Yorkshire...
From the beginning of October national NHS bodies have transferred greater control to South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw for health services run and delivered to the 1.5 million people who live there. Most of the partnership work between the NHS, councils and the voluntary sector will take place at a local level in each of the five places covered by the arrangements: Barnsley, Bassetlaw, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.  The Integrated Care System will support this work and address issues that will be best delivered through collaboration across the whole of South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw.

Things to read...
As the weather gets more gloomy what better than to curl up with a good book.
The reading Agency has announced their Mood Boosting Book list for 2018. if you want the full details of the titles please email the library for the list.

Things not to miss...
Still time to sign up for our Randomised Coffee Trial in November if you work at SCH. So far 97 people have signed up...who will be the 100th? You will be matched randomly with another volunteer then all you have to do is agree a time and place for you both to meet and chat for 30-40 mins. Sign up via this form (may not work in Internet explorer so use Chrome)

Things about health inequalities...
Public health England recently published a report comparing physical health conditions between people with severe mental illness and the general population by age, sex and deprivation using primary care data. It shows people with severe mental illness suffer significantly worse physical health compared to the general population, with the greatest inequalities seen among younger people.

Things to eat...
I made this pasta sauce last night from a New York Times recipe which sounded intriguing  Pasta With Fried Lemons and Chile Flakes and we really loved it. It sounds a bit fiddly but it really isn't and you use the boiling water in which you have blanched the lemon slices in to cook your pasta. It says the celery leaves and parsley are optional but I would add them if you can...so if you saw me rejecting lots of packs of celery in Tescos yesterday you now know why!




Friday, 5 October 2018

Things in the library 5th October...

Things about alcohol...
A new WHO report published recently, Adolescent alcohol-related behaviours: trends and inequalities in the WHO European Region, 2002–2014, provides new insights into data collected over 12 years on adolescent drinking. The report reveals that alcohol use has declined among adolescents in Europe. However, despite the reductions, levels of consumption remain dangerously high and this continues to be a major public health concern.

Things about health passports...
In this blog post Simon Cramp describes his work with Chesterfield Royal Hospital to develop and launch a booklet so that patients who find communicating with clinical staff difficult have all their information in one place, making hospital appointments and admissions easier for patients and staff.



Things about autism and weight...
Children with autism spectrum disorders appear to be at a higher risk of having obesity than their typically developing peers. Although it has been recommended that healthcare providers speak to children with autism spectrum disorders about the potential health risks of unhealthy weight, no previous research has explored how healthcare providers communicate with them about this topic. The purpose of this study “Girls don’t have big tummies” was to explore children’s perspectives and experiences of discussing weight-related topics in healthcare consultations.

Things about Childline...
Childline has launched a website aimed at children under the age of 12. This provides age appropriate content on topics including: bullying, family, friends, feelings, school, abuse and staying safe. It also includes games and therapeutic tools for young visitors to play and express how they are feeling. It will be promoted through the NSPCC's Speak out Stay safe programme.

Things for autumn...

I love making soups and made this Roasted tomato & mascarpone soup earlier in the week, very easy and warming to come home to.

Friday, 28 September 2018

Things in the library 28th Sept...

Things that are exciting...

There is a real buzz around the launch of our Randomised Coffee Trial @ SCH. Join in today via this form and in late October you will be randomly matched to another member of SCH staff. You both then agree a time and place to meet for coffee (or other drink) during November and just chat for 30-40 mins.
Why?…it’s a good way to meet new colleagues, make connections and find out more about each other.
You can talk about anything you like ….it doesn't have to be a job related …but it can be...don't miss out!

Things about children & social care...

A strengths-based approach (SBA) to social care focuses on identifying the strengths, or assets, as well as the needs and difficulties of children, young people and families. This briefing from Social Care Institute for Excellence describes how SBAs work and assesses their effectiveness. The values and principles that inform this approach are not new, but there has been a rapidly growing interest over the last five years in such approaches. These approaches are also about co-production – people providing care working in equal partnership with those who need it to design and deliver services.

Things about Childhood Tuberculosis...
This article looks at The Changing Landscape of Childhood Tuberculosis in the United Kingdom. They describe the recent epidemiology of childhood TB in the UK, how this compares to TB in adults, and document changes with time (2000-2015).




Things about health inequalities...
The aim of this systematic review is to examine the effect of age on associations between household income and overall health from birth to adolescence, and whether age patterns vary by country. It is uncertain whether income-related health inequalities remain stable, widen, or narrow as children age, which impacts optimal timing of equity-focused interventions.

Things to have your say about...
Sheffield City Region (SCR) is working with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive to establish what the future of the Supertram system might look like. The consultation opens on Monday 24 September and runs until Monday 5 November. The consultation seeks views on three options:

  • Maintaining Supertram as it is through ongoing essential repairs
  • Renewing and modernising Supertram’s tracks, vehicles and information systems
  • Exploring alternative options to Supertram

They are encouraging as many people as possible to have their say in this consultation. For more information about the proposals on the future of Supertram and to take part visit this website

Things about war & peace...
This autumn, as the nation marks the 100th anniversary of the First World War armistice, Sheffield City Libraries are considering how Sheffield and the surrounding area has been shaped by conflict through the ages. From early Anglo-Saxons to the defense of Sheffield Castle, from Waterloo to rebuilding after the Sheffield Blitz; they will be revealing fascinating stories from our city‘s rich and complex history. a variety of events can be booked online.

Things to attend...
Reading group on Wed 3rd October 17:15 to 18:15 (discussing 'The Children Act') and Journal Club Thurs 4th October 8:00 to 9.00 (contact the library for details) both on F Floor of Stephenson Wing.

Things to enjoy...

I made this very simple French yogurt cake last night - can recommend it! from the first blog I ever subscribed to when they were a 'new' thing!



Friday, 21 September 2018

Things in the library 21st Sept...

Things about social media...

A briefing paper, Social media, young people and mental health, from the Centre for Mental Health looks at evidence about the impact of social media use on the mental health of young people. It finds that while many studies have focused on the risks and potential harm caused by social media use, there is also evidence of potential benefits. And only by building a three-dimensional picture of the many ways young people interact with social media will we be able to reduce the risks and make the most of the opportunities they present.

The briefing notes that the potential risks to wellbeing include addiction or dependency on social media, often as a substitute for other kinds of social interaction, unhelpful comparisons and jealousy, and bullying. Potential benefits may include the creation of new social connections and opportunities to encourage greater mental health literacy and help-seeking.

The briefing calls on government departments, social media companies and charities to work together to find ways of preventing or mitigating the risks and maximising the benefits to young people’s mental health. This may include changing the way social media platforms work, but also supporting schools and families to help children and young people to navigate social media safely and making greater use of the opportunities to promote good mental health and speedy help-seeking.

Things about CBT...
This study investigated possible predictors of long-term treatment outcomes in youth with mixed anxiety disorders treated in community mental health clinics. Outcomes were loss of all inclusion anxiety diagnoses, loss of the principal inclusion anxiety diagnosis, and changes in youth- and parent-rated youth anxiety symptoms. Predictors encompassed youth, parent and demographic factors, and post-treatment recovery. The most consistent finding was that low family social class predicted poorer outcomes. Higher treatment motivation was associated with better outcome whereas a diagnosis of social anxiety was associated with poorer outcome. Identified predictors extend on previous findings from efficacy trials, and the results indicate a need for more specific treatment protocols.


Things about eating disorders...
This review addresses the question of whether the offspring of parents with past or present eating disorders have adverse outcomes. Given the relatively high incidence of eating disorder history in individuals of childbearing age, research into its potential effects on children is necessary. However, the methodological shortcomings and a limited evidence base caution in drawing conclusions. Nevertheless, mental health services should address the possible problems that these children face and offer tailored programs.

Things about health in England...
The second annual report combining data and knowledge with information from other sources to give a broad picture of the health of people in England in 2018. This report summarises the health of people in England in 2018 and provides an update to the first Health Profile for England (published 2017). A new addition for this year’s report is the inclusion of forecast data for several key indicators, for the 5 years up to 2023 and a separate chapter on the health of children in the early years.  As a society, people are living longer but often in poorer health and stubborn inequalities persist. Good health is about much more than good healthcare – a high-quality education, a warm home, and a good job are just as important to a healthy standard of living.

Things about Artificial Intelligence...
A new ‘state of the nation' report about the use of Artificial Intelligence in health and care has found that we are only beginning to unlock the potential of AI. The report spotlights some of the opportunities AI creates and shows where it is already being used in projects across the country. It also considers some of the barriers to wider deployment of AI and proposes solutions, including the creation of a “code of conduct” for the sector.


Things about a sustainable health workforce...
The toolkit is aimed at policy-makers, human resources for health (HRH) planners and professionals, and other stakeholders, such as education institutions and those implementing policy. It is intended to support 'Towards a sustainable health workforce in the WHO European Region: framework for action', which adapts the Global strategy on human resources for health: workforce 2030 to the context of the WHO European Region. It is framed around four strategic domains mirroring the themes of the global strategy – education and performance, planning and investment, capacity-building, and analysis and monitoring – and proposes policy options and implementation modalities. The toolkit is formulated to provide Member States with information and signpost to practical materials, such as HRH assessment, policy and planning tools, analytical approaches and case studies, to support their efforts to strengthen HRH in a sustainable way, including through investment in capital and recurrent expenditure. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or compendium.

Things about music...
Sheffield Makes Music this year forms part of the  Festival of the Mind events and celebrates the brilliant musical creators, contributors and talent our city has to offer. As part of the national celebrations for BBC Music Day they will be joined by BBC 6 Music's Steve Lamacq who will broadcast his 6 Music drive time show live from the Spiegeltent in Barkers Pool. Throughout the day all around the city centre they will be weaving the sounds of our city via a series of acoustic performances, Opera on the Town Hall steps and various brass, strings and voices in the St Paul's Place pop up band stand. Date: Friday 28 September 2018, 1pm-late

Things to make...
A recommendation from Sarah this week for Vegeree a kedgeree without fish but with roasted aubergines. There are two recipes on this link ...scroll down for the Vegeree.










Friday, 7 September 2018

Things in the library 7th Sept...


Things about play...
The Children’s Commissioner for England has published a report looking at the importance to children of play and physical activity. Recommendations for government include: putting out-of-school activity at the heart of the plan to reduce obesity; and focussing on play and activity in policy responses to challenges faced by children, including mental health issues and excessive use of technology.

Things about Looked-after children...
This report by Social Market Foundation analysed inspection data from Ofsted, which assesses local councils’ services for children in need of help and protection, looked-after children and care leavers. The analysis showed that 63% of Local Authorities in England are providing services for these children which either “require improvement” or are simply “inadequate.” The calculations based on these figures show that this means that 47,085 children – 65% of all looked-after children – are looked after in Local Authorities that are deemed to be falling short of a good standard. Of those children, 13,790 are receiving care services judged as “inadequate”, the worst possible grade.



Things about infant-feeding...
Academics at Coventry University have created a new website to help midwives and health visitors support both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding parent. iFeed aims to fill a gap in the help offered to parents due to children’s centre closures, over-stretched maternity and health visiting services, as well as to ensure parents who bottle feed receive more support. The creators were inspired to build the website following their own research into infant-feeding and the information parents told them they wanted on the subject. It is hoped that it will provide a trusted resource for health professionals.

Things to give your opinion on...
The government is seeking views on whether the sale of energy drinks to children should be stopped. This consultation closes at on 21 November 2018.
It also asks for views on:


  • what products should be included in any restrictions
  • what age limit a ban should apply to
  • whether sales of energy drinks from vending machines should be restricted
  • whether there are any changes that would be more appropriate than a ban on sales to children or that could be applied as well as a ban


Things to read...
The next book we are reading for the meeting on Wed 3rd October is Ian McEwan's book 'The Children Act' (recently released as a film starring Emma Thompson) do come and join us for a chat about it along with drinks and nibbles. We meet in the Illingworth library (F Floor Stephenson Wing) at 17:15 for about 1hour.





Things to enjoy in Sheffield...
The full program for the Sheffield's 'Off the Shelf' literary festival (6-27 October) is now available. Some events book up very quickly so do check the website - something for everyone. Writing events, children's events and authors and poets to meet.




Things to eat...
(c) Jules Clancy 
I came across this free ebook this week with some nice recipes in it for 5 ingredient dinners. A nice feature is that she also gives variations for dairy-free, vegan where possible. I rather fancy the self-saucing ginger puddings! The author of this e-cookbook is Jules Clancy who lives in Australia and writes, blogs and photographs food.