18 WEEKS PROGRAMME

Local 18 week patient experience surveys (9th September 2008)
As signalled in the Operating Framework, this letter is to update NHS chief executives with more detailed guidance on the use of PCT level surveys to measure local patient experience of 18 week pathways. The letter also includes guidance and survey template.
Document

BULLETINS/NEWSLETTERS

NHS Next Stage Review: Our vision for primary and community care - September 2008 (2nd September 2008)

Health Protection Report Vol. 2 No. 36 (5th September 2008)

Health Protection Report Vol. 2 No. 37 (12th September 2008)

CNO Bulletin, Issue 71, September 2008 (9th September 2008)

CSIP Telecare eNewsletter August 2008 (3rd September 2008)

CARE/CARERS

Calculating the costs of efficient care homes (17th September 2008)
This study refines the formula published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) in 2002 (revised 2004) for calculating reasonable fees, based on the operating costs of efficient care homes for older people in England. Using 2008 benchmarks, the study guides users through its associated spreadsheet and advises on modifications to reflect local market conditions.
Study

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE

Keeping Children Safe: Information disclosure about child sexual offenders (15th September 2008)
This document describes a pilot scheme in which parents, carers or guardians of children and young people can ask the police to tell them if a person has a record for child sexual offences. If police checks show that they have a record for child sexual offences or other offences that might put the child at risk, the police will consider sharing this information with the child’s parent, carer or guardian.
Document

COMMISSIONING

Improving outcomes in children and young people with cancer: guidance on commissioning services for young people (8th September 2008)
Letter containing the document Key messages for commissioners of cancer services for teenagers and young adults, developed by the National Cancer Action Team (with advice and support from an expert working group) at the request of the Children and Young People Improving Outcomes Guidance (CYPIOG) Advisory Group to support the implementation of National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance, Improving outcomes for children and young people with cancer.
Guidance

World Class Commissioning - August update (8th September 2008)
Monthly progress report on the World Class Commissioning Programme.
Update

Commissioning Specialist Library (15th September 2008)
The pilot Commissioning Specialist Library went live on 15 September 2008. The library is free, and aims to be a one-stop shop providing timely and efficient access to high quality information resources for all those involved in commissioning for health and wellbeing. It endeavours to include the best available evidence, examples of good practice, policy and data to support world class commissioning.
Resource

NHS PCC Primary Care Service Frameworks for Commissioners (September 2008)
PCC has published a number of Primary Care Service Frameworks to support PCTs and Practice Based Commissioners covering the areas of Alcohol Services, Obesity, Long Term Conditions, Support for Self Care, and Sexual Health. Further frameworks are currently being developed in partnership with the Department of Health.
Frameworks

Commissioning Safe and Sustainable Specialised Paediatric Services - A Framework of Critical Inter-Dependencies (16th September 2008)
This report provides a unique approach to the commissioning of specialised paediatric services. The work has been led by an independent Steering Group with access to a specialist Clinical Advisory Group. The project as a whole has been chaired by Dr Edward Baker, Medical Director and Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist at Guys and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. It has the support of the appropriate Royal Colleges. The results will be of particular interest to those involved in commissioning or delivering specialised paediatric services, but it has broader implications. It provides for the first time a clinically agreed system for representing the nature of the relationships between specialised services. It sets out which services need to be delivered from the same location and which do not. This will be of real significance to anyone assessing the configuration of paediatric services and indeed any services that relate to them - both wider children’s services and services to adults.
Report

CONSULTATIONS

Consultation on a regime for unsustainable NHS providers (10th September 2008)
'Developing the NHS performance regime', published 4 June 2008, announced the Government's intention to "establish a failure regime for state-owned providers that reflects the Government's obligations to ensure service continuity and protect public assets.” This consultation document sets out the Department of Health’s proposals for such a regime and seeks views on them by 3 December 2008.
Consultation
Impact Assessment
'Developing the NHS Performance Regime’

Confidentiality: Protecting and providing information (8th September 2008)
The General Medical Council (GMC) consulting on revised guidance for doctors on the principles of confidentiality and respect for patients’ privacy that doctors are expected to understand and follow. Closing date for comments is 28th November 2008.
Consultation information
Response

NHS North West Workforce and Education Strategy (September 2008)
NHS North West has published a 10 year workforce and education strategy. There will now be a three month consultation period, closing at the end of January 2009.
Consultation
Online Response

DIET/NUTRITION

Traffic Light Food Labelling (August 2008)
The Faculty of Public Health Position Statement on Traffic-light food labelling, which uses red, amber and green signals to show consumers, at-a-glance, whether a product is high, medium or low in fat, saturated fat, sugars and salt.
Position Statement

Real Meals Recipe Pack (11th September 2008)
This recipe pack aims to show young people how to cook tasty and healthy meals, either at school or at home. Each recipe uses simple ingredients and equipment and meets healthy-eating guidelines.
Recipes

DRUGS

Merseyside DIP re-presentation report April-December 2007 (15th September 2008)
Summarises the rates of re-presentation of clients to custody suite drug testing and DIP teams in Merseyside in part of 07/08. The characteristics of clients who re-present are compared to those of clients who do not.
Report

Merseyside DIP Clients: A comparison of client characteristics for under and over 25 year olds (15th September 2008)
A comparison of client characteristics for under and over 25 year olds – This report highlights the substantial differences in characteristics between under and over 25 year olds assessed by DIP teams in Merseyside. In particular the greater use of cocaine, lower expenditure on drugs and differential experience of treatment among under 25 year olds is highlighted.
Report

Impact of Test on Arrest: An examination of Drug Testing and Drug Intervention Record data (15th September 2008)
An examination of the changes in the characteristics of clients coming into contact with the DIP programme brought about through the change from drug testing on charge in the custody suite to drug testing on arrest (April 06).
Report

DIP Attrition: An examination of client characteristics (15th September 2008)
Examines and compares the characteristics of clients exiting the DIP assessment process in Merseyside at different stages. The report provides D(A)ATs with information about how effective they are at engaging with certain client groups through the programme.
Report

Merseyside DIP Demographics Report 06/07 (15th September 2008)
Outlines the characteristics of clients seen by the five Merseyside DIP teams in 06/07. Factors such as age, gender, drug use, treatment history and accommodation status are examined and implications for service delivery discussed.
Report

ELDERLY/OLDER PEOPLE

On the right track? A progress review of the human rights of older people in health and social care (August 2008)
A year ago a parliamentary committee produced a hard-hitting report on older people’s human rights in healthcare which put the issue high on the agenda and called for cultural change within service providing organisations. One year on Age Concern has produced its own report, reviewing the committee’s recommendations. Age Concern continues to receive shocking stories of mistreatment and abuse in hospitals and care homes, including older people being left to sit in their own excrement or denied food and water because the staff are too busy; being left naked in front of other patients; or being heavily sedated so they are easier to care for.
Report

EMERGENCIES

Health Protection Agency launches eHealth - online learning for healthcare professionals (16th September 2008)
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) today launched eHealth, a new online education and training service for health care professionals, exclusively for the National Health Service. The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited online training is funded by the Department of Health and covers the management of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) injuries and incidents. eHealth will contribute to a wide range of health care professionals’ ability to prepare their response to a deliberate or accidental CBRN incident.
Resource

GUIDANCE/GUIDELINES

Help is at hand: a resource for people bereaved by suicide and other sudden, traumatic death (9th September 2008)
This guide is aimed at the wide range of people who are affected by suicide or other sudden, traumatic death. It aims firstly to help people who are unexpectedly bereaved in this way. It also provides information for healthcare and other professionals who come into contact with bereaved people, to assist them in providing help and to suggest how they themselves may find support if they need it.
Help is at hand
Wallet card for the public
Postcard for professionals

Transforming services for children with hearing difficulty and their families: a good practice guide (16th September 2008)
Further to the publication of ‘Improving Access to Audiology Services in England’ in March 2007 (279830), this document provides good practice and evidence to help commissioners and service providers to make changes to the way that paediatric hearing services are delivered, and in particular to reduce waits for patients with the most common hearing difficulties.
Document

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Keep Warm, Keep Well: Supporting vulnerable people during cold weather - advice for health and social care professionals (11th September 2008)
This leaflet is part of the national Keep Warm Keep well programme, which aims to reduce chronic and acute health risks associated with cold weather. It contains advice for people working in primary care or social services, and for home care providers. In this leaflet, you will find out about the dangers of cold to vulnerable people. It will help you plan before and during winter, or for any particularly cold period.
Leaflet

Keep Warm, Keep Well: poster (11th September 2008)
Get your guide to keeping warm and well this winter.
A4 Poster
A3 Poster

Listening and responding to communities: a brief guide to Local Involvement Networks (5th September 2008)
A Local Involvement Network (LINk) should be up and running in every area of England by the end of 2008. This guide has been published to help health and social care managers understand LINks. The guide also explains how LINks can help services respond to local needs.
Guide

Lifting the Burdens Task Force Review of Health and Social Care Burdens (4th September 2008)
The Lifting the Burdens Task Force Review was led by Chief Executive of London Borough of Camden, Moira Gibb. It focuses on those burdens that are a direct result of the local government/Department of Health relationship as well as those that emanate from the Commission for Social Care, and makes recommendations in the areas of: Information for performance monitoring, management and assessment; Service and regulatory inspection; Regional working to support performance improvement; Supporting people; and Enhancers and inhibitors to partnership working. The report makes a total of 19 recommendations, identifying where burdens are occurring and how these can be addressed.
Report

HEALTHCARE COMMISSION

Survey of users of community mental health services 2008 (10th September 2008)
A Healthcare Commission survey of people using community mental health services, published today, has shown continued improvements in care. A larger percentage of service users say that they have confidence in mental health professionals, receive copies of their care plan and have a number to contact out-of-hours when in a crisis situation. Overall, most respondents continued to rate their care highly, with 78% describing it as "excellent", "very good" or "good", 13% as "fair" and 9% as "poor" or "very poor". These figures remain consistent with previous surveys.
Survey

INFECTIONS

Infections Specialist Library (15th September 2008)
The Infections Specialist Library (ISL) provides convenient and comprehensive access to the highest quality evidence on the investigation, prevention, treatment and control of infectious diseases from a clinical perspective. This is intended to keep health professionals up to date with the burgeoning amount of infectious disease evidence that is emerging daily.
Resource

INFORMATION PRESCRIPTIONS

Information Prescriptions (9th September 2008)
The White Paper 'Our health, our care, our say', published in January 2006, made a commitment to improving access to appropriate information for people with health or social care needs. Information prescriptions will guide people to relevant and reliable sources of information to enable them to feel more in control and better able to manage their condition and maintain their independence.
Information

MEDICINES

Impact assessment of the introduction of a statutory scheme to control the prices of branded NHS medicines (5th September 2008)
The Government is seeking to agree a new voluntary, non-contractual scheme to replace the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme. The objective of a statutory scheme is to safeguard the financial position of the NHS in the event that companies do not sign up to the new voluntary pricing scheme or in case of failure to reach agreement on a new voluntary pricing scheme.
Impact Assessment

MENTAL HEALTH

The Police and Mental Health (Briefing 36) (2nd September 2008)
This briefing looks at the role of the police in relation to mental health and makes recommendations for development. It calls on the NHS to manage health care in police custody and to take a more active role in diverting people with mental health problems to the services they need.
Briefing

NHS

Does public release of performance results improve quality of care? A systematic review (3rd September 2008)
A new Health Foundation report has called into question the link between public reporting of hospital performance and increased consumer choice by patients. The report demonstrates that public reporting can have a major impact on improving hospitals’ quality of care following poor results. The report looks primarily at research from the USA investigating the effects of public reporting. Even in a country with an established market in healthcare, patient choice of hospital is not affected by poor results. However, the public release of poor data was a major driving force in hospitals improving their quality of care.
Report

NHS spending: local variations in priorities: an update (September 2008)
Primary care trusts (PCTs) spend around 75 per cent of the NHS budget in England. How do they decide on their spending priorities? This paper examines the data collected by the Department of Health on the amounts PCTs spend on the 23 programmes of care based on medical conditions such as mental health, circulatory problems (including heart disease) and cancer. It also looks at changes in overall PCT spending between 2004/5 and 2006/7 and examines where the extra cash allocated to the NHS went. Fundamental differences are shown in PCT spending that are only partially explained by the different needs of local populations.
Paper

Top-up payments for drugs in England (8th September 2008)
How are top-ups distinct from other charges in the NHS and why have they become such a contentious issue now? This briefing gives some background on the relevant legislation and guidance in this area.
Briefing

What is fair: Should patients be allowed to top up their NHS care? (11th September 2008)
On 11 September 2008, The King's Fund hosted a debate on the issue of top ups and whether patients should be allowed to pay for drugs and treatments which the NHS won't fund. Professor Mike Richards, National Clinical Director for Cancer, is leading the government review on top-ups and was present at the debate.
Debate

Making the NHS the best insurance policy in the World (9th September 2008)
Britain is dropping behind in the global health race, according to a new report published today. The report, published by the independent think tank Reform, proposes that Britain combines its universal healthcare for everyone with the insurance ideas that underpin the global health leaders. It proposes a new model, a National Health Protection System, where individuals will be able to invest a £2,000 per year tax-funded premium to guarantee their healthcare.
Report

NICE

How to put NICE guidance into practice and improve the health and wellbeing of communities - Practical steps for local authorities (4th September 2008)
Following two stakeholder workshops in May of this year, NICE has developed a “How to” guide to implementation that aims to support Local Authorities with the implementation of NICE guidance. This guide is due to be launched at the NICE conference in December 2008. Closing date for comments is 5pm 22nd September 2008.
Consultation

Organ preservation (renal) - machine perfusion and static storage: appraisal consultation document (9th September 2008)
The Department of Health has asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE or the Institute) to conduct a multiple technology appraisal of machine perfusion systems and cold static storage of kidneys from deceased donors, and to provide guidance on their use to the NHS in England and Wales. The Appraisal Committee has had its first meeting to consider both the evidence submitted and the views put forward by non-manufacturer consultees and commentators, and by the clinical specialist and patient expert representatives nominated for this appraisal by non-manufacturer consultees and commentators. The Committee has developed preliminary recommendations on the use of machine perfusion systems and cold static storage of kidneys from deceased donors. Closing date for comments is 30th September 2008.
Consultation

Needle and syringe programmes: consultation on the draft guidance (15th September 2008)
Consultation on the draft guidance relating to Needle and syringe programmes: providing injecting equipment to people who inject drugs. Registered stakeholders are invited to comment on the draft guidance document which entails the draft recommendations. This consultation will take place between Monday 15th September and Monday 13th October 2008.
Consultation

Crohn’s disease - infliximab (review) and adalimumab: appraisal consultation (16th September 2008)
The Department of Health and the Welsh Assembly Government have asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE or the Institute) to conduct a multiple technology appraisal of infliximab and adalimumab for the treatment of Crohn's disease and provide guidance on their use to the NHS in England and Wales. The Appraisal Committee has had its first meeting to consider both the evidence submitted and the views put forward by non-manufacturer consultees and commentators, and by the clinical specialist and patient expert representatives nominated for this appraisal by non-manufacturer consultees and commentators. The Committee has developed preliminary recommendations on the use of infliximab and adalimumab. Closing date for comments is 3rd October 2008.
Consultation
Evaluation Report

Influenza - zanamivir, amantadine and oseltamivir (review): appraisal consultation (16th September 2008)
The Department of Health and the Welsh Assembly Government have asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE or the Institute) to conduct a multiple technology appraisal of amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir and provide guidance on their use to the NHS in England and Wales. The Appraisal Committee has had its first meeting to consider both the evidence submitted and the views put forward by non-manufacturer consultees and commentators, and by the clinical specialist and patient expert representatives nominated for this appraisal by non-manufacturer consultees and commentators. The Committee has developed preliminary recommendations on the use of amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. Closing date for comments is 7th October 2008.
Consultation

Latest implementation Tools (10th September 2008)

Stroke
Slide Set

Diabetes Insulin Pump Therapy
Slide Set

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) - pegaptanib and ranibizumab
Audit Support
Costing Tool

Induction of Labour
Slide Set

Hepatitis B - entecavir
Audit Support
Costing Statement

Hepatitis B - telbivudine
Audit Support
Costing Statement

Total Wrist Replacement
Audit Support

Respiratory Trace Infections
Slide Set

Rh-D negative women - routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis (including new product rhophylac)
Audit Support
Costing Statement

Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia
Audit Support
Costing Tool
Slide Set

Smoking in children

Slide Set

Familial hypercholesterolaemia
Costing Tool

Lipid modification
Audit Support

Implantation of miniature lens systems for advanced age related macular degeneration
Audit Support

Type 2 diabetes (review)
Audit Support

NURSING

Caring for children with a fever - RCN good practice guidance for nurses working with infants, children and young people (10th September 2008)
This good practice guidance aims to help every nurse give up-to-date, evidence-based care to infants, children and young people who are experiencing fever. The information is based on the clinical guideline Feverish illness in children (NICE, 2007) and other recently published papers. It contains information on commonly used nursing interventions, in particular the use of antipyretics and tepid sponging.
Guidance

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA

Pandemic influenza: surge capacity and prioritisation in health services (draft for comment) (4th September 2008)
To assist responders in developing their local plans further this draft guidance has been produced with the participation and advice of subject experts and representatives from key stakeholder groups. The Department of Health are seeking wider comments on this draft and would particularly welcome views and contributions from those individuals and organisations involved in pandemic influenza planning and preparedness. These will be collated and analysed in depth and used to inform final guidance on this issue. Closing date for comments is 31st October 2008.
Guidance

Pandemic influenza: guidance for dental practices (4th September 2008)
This guidance provides a brief overview of pandemic flu, how it is transmitted and the recommendations for containing its transmission with reference to a dental setting. Full guidance is available via the pandemic flu section on the Department of Health’s website (link is provided below). This includes the National Framework for responding to an influenza pandemic and supporting guidance documents.
Guidance

Pandemic influenza: guidance on the delivery of and contract arrangements for primary care dentistry (4th September 2008)
The guidance provides specific advice to the NHS on the delivery and contract arrangements for primary care dentistry in the event of a Pandemic. It supplements and should be read with other guidance on Pandemic Flu available on the DH website.
Guidance
Other Pandemic Flu Guidance

PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Committee of Public Accounts - Managing financial resources to deliver better public services - Forty-third Report of Session 2007-08 (9th September 2008)

PATIENT AND PUBLIC INFORMATION

Keep Warm, Keep Well: A guide for people over 60 (12th September 2008)
This booklet has been produced by the Department of Health, in association with other partners. It aims to help you maintain good health during winter and take advantage of the financial help and benefits available.
Booklet

Keep Warm, Keep Well: A guide for families (12th September 2008)
This booklet has been produced by the Department of Health, in association with other partners. It aims to help you and your family maintain good health during winter, and take advantage of the financial help and benefits available. Inside, you’ll find useful tips on heating your home effectively, a large section on financial support available, steps on preparing your home for the winter and advice on staying healthy.
Booklet

Keep Warm, Keep Well: A guide for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions (12th September 2008)
This booklet has been produced by the Department of Health, in association with other partners. It aims to help you maintain good health during winter and take advantage of the financial help and benefits available. Inside, you’ll find useful tips on heating your home effectively, a large section on financial support available, steps on preparing your home for the winter and advice on staying healthy.
Booklet

Drinking, You and Your Mates: How does your night end? (5th September 2008)
This leaflet for 18 to 24-year-old binge drinkers encourages them to drink sensibly and highlights the consequences of drunk anti-social behaviour.
Leaflet

PATIENT SAFETY

Clean Hands Save Lives (2nd September 2008)
This alert provides guidance on best practice in hand hygiene at the point of care, to contribute to reducing healthcare associated infection (HCAI) in the NHS. It is based on the first hand hygiene alert issued four years ago with updated information on the point of care message, risk management and product procurement. The NPSA has issued the revised alert to give greater prominence to managing HCAI through better hand hygiene. The alert will be evaluated from April 2009.
Alert
Supporting information

10 key characteristics of good nutritional care in hospitals (11th September 2008)
The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) is launching the next four in a series of ten factsheets for all healthcare staff and care caterers to support the 10 key characteristics of good nutritional care. These factsheets have been produced by the NPSA in conjunction with the Royal College of Nursing, the Hospital Caterers Association, the National Association of Care Catering, BAPEN (British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) and key stakeholders from the private sector, to improve the nutritional screening of patients and service users when they enter a care setting. This ensures people have access to food and beverages whenever they need them and improves nutritional planning for all patients.
Factsheets

PAYMENT BY RESULTS

Payment by Results for Kidney Dialysis Project Group: interim report, June 2008 (4th September 2008)
This interim report has been produced by the renal PbR project group which has been working on the development of tariffs for renal dialysis. Guidance has been developed to inform the 2008/09 reference cost exercise and the aim is to develop a mandatory tariff for dialysis for 2010/11.
Report

POVERTY

What role for community enterprises in tackling poverty? (15th September 2008)
What contribution can community groups make to tackling poverty in their neighbourhood? Glenn Arradon and Steve Wyler from the Development Trusts Association argue that community-led enterprise organisations including development trusts can act as a driver for positive change, creating a self-help and problem-solving culture, and helping individuals move out of poverty.
Report

The media, poverty and public opinion in the UK (10th September 2008)
This report analyses how the media reports UK poverty and its impact on public understanding and opinion. The media fulfils an important role in shaping, amplifying and responding to public attitudes toward poverty. This study, part of the Public Interest in Poverty Issues programme, explores the role of national, local and community media in reflecting and influencing public ideas of poverty and welfare.
Report
Findings

Reporting poverty in the UK: a practical guide for journalists (10th September 2008)
This guide provides journalists with an overview of UK poverty, highlights the dilemmas they face in covering it and suggests ways in which the subject can be dealt with fairly and authoritatively. The guide has been developed with input from a range of groups dealing with poverty issues and a series of seminars involving journalists from newspapers, television and radio, as well as experts on the subject and people experiencing poverty. It includes: case studies showing how journalists have tackled poverty issues; contact details for relevant organisations; sources of further information; definitions of poverty; facts and statistics relating to poverty.
Guide

PRIMARY CARE TRUSTS

The Primary Medical Services (Directed Enhanced Services) (England) Directions 2008 (2nd September 2008)
The Directions to PCTs which give the legal basis for implementing the Directed Enhanced Service for GP practices to extend their opening hours are now in force. These need to be read in conjunction with the Directions (No. 4) amending the SFE. Accompanying guidance is also available.
The Primary Medical Services (Directed Enhanced Services) (England) Directions 2008Final Guidance

Extended Hours Access Scheme Directed Enhanced Service

Statement of Financial Entitlements (Amendment) (No 4) Directions 2008

SEXUAL HEALTH

Enhanced Surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Cheshire and Merseyside Mid Year 2007 (3rd September 2008)
Report commissioned by the Cheshire and Merseyside primary care trusts to use for assessing local epidemiology and to measure performance against targets in order to improve monitoring, planning and interventions for sexual health promotion and treatment and care services.
Report

SMOKING/TOBACCO

Protecting Children from Secondhand Smoke (September 2008)
Since the implementation of the law banning smoking in workplaces and enclosed public places, most adults no longer have to breathe other people's tobacco smoke. But children receive little protection. In fact, around five million children in UK households are regularly exposed to the harmful toxins in secondhand smoke. To help raise awareness, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) and ASH have published a position statement which summarises the health impact of secondhand smoke on children, and an information leaflet for parents and carers. The FPH have also produced an information poster for display.
Position Statement
Leaflet
Poster

SOCIAL CARE

‘Duty and Obligation’ - the invisible glue in services and support (11th September 2008)
The Department of Health’s consultation paper, The case for change, has opened a debate on the long-term future of England’s care and support system. In this viewpoint, Kalyani Gandhi and Helen Bowers argue that if social care services are to transform people’s lives, they must be based on a deeper understanding of human relationships and the nature of duty and obligation inherent within them.
Click here for Document

STATISTICS

Statutory Homelessness: 2nd Quarter (April-June) 2008, England (11th September 2008)
Report
Tables 1-10
Supplementary tables - Local Authority Breakdown

GP extended opening hours, August 2008 (9th September 2008)

Diagnostics waiting times and activity data: month ending 31st July 2008 (10th September 2008)
Commissioner based
Provider based

Dental Earnings and Expenses 2006/07 (16th September 2008)

Cancer survival lower in deprived areas (4th September 2008)

SURVEYS

Home Oxygen Service Satisfaction Survey 2008 (12th September 2008)
The first annual National Patient Satisfaction Survey of the Home Oxygen Service, published today, was commissioned jointly by the Department of Health and oxygen suppliers and is an important measure of the quality of care patients receive to show satisfaction with the service. The Home Oxygen Service supplies oxygen delivered directly to the home of over 90,000 patients in England and Wales who suffer a range of conditions including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, lung cancer and supporting the discharge of premature babies. The survey results show: 88% of patients believe that their quality of life has improved since receiving the service; 75% of patients say they speak highly about the service; and The helpline provided by oxygen suppliers is the greatest factor in driving patient satisfaction.
Survey

WORKFORCE/WORKPLACE

Recognising and responding to mental health problems in the workplace: why beyondblue? (9th September 2008)
A training programme to help line managers to support staff with depression is from today being tested in the UK for the first time. The beyondblue National Workplace Programme, part of Australia's national depression initiative, gives line managers in businesses across Australia the skills, knowledge and confidence to offer the right support to people who are experiencing distress. Sainsbury Centre is testing whether the beyondblue National Workplace Programme will work in the UK. It is providing the training to line managers from UK employers including the Department of Health, Kent County Council, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Mail Group, the submarines business of Rolls-Royce and Tate & Lyle and will then find out how useful it has been.
Click here for more information

Top tips for Healthier Workplaces (8th September 2008)
The aim of this publication is to enable local workplaces within Cheshire and Merseyside to focus on the actions they can take to promote the health of their existing and prospective employees. Top tips is closely tied to the Choosing Health priority areas, and draws together evidence, national policy, and targets as well as examples of good practice, for the Choosing Health priority areas.
Full Report
Summary

18 WEEKS PROGRAMME

18 weeks performance sharing and choose and book appointment slots (20th August 2008)
Arrangements for 'performance sharing' for 18 weeks as set out in the Operating Framework for 2008/09 have been confirmed. This will alter the published performance of providers, and will be used in Health Care Commission performance assessments. Guidance on addressing insufficient appointment slots on Choose and Book has also been published.
Letter
Spreadsheet

ALCOHOL

Alcohol in Business and Commerce Survey: Workplace Alcohol Questionnaire - 2007 (18th August 2008)
To investigate the impact of alcohol on the workplace and how strategies can be developed to help tackle this, Health@Work commissioned the Centre for Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University to conduct a research study examining workplaces in Liverpool. The research study was conducted in three parts: a telephone survey of 302 businesses in Liverpool, face-to-face interviews with representatives from ten companies involved in the survey and an employee survey.
Report

ANNUAL REPORTS

Department of Health Audit Committee 2007-08 annual report to the Departmental Board (20th August 2008)
2007-08 Annual Report of the Audit Committee.
Annual Report

Expert Advisory Group on AIDS Annual Report 2007 (26th August 2008)
This report from the Expert Advisory Group on AIDS (EAGA) covers the period 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007. The Expert Advisory Group on AIDS (EAGA) is an advisory non-departmental public body which is non-statutory. It was established in 1985 with the following terms of reference: 'To provide advice on such matters relating to HIV/AIDS as may be referred to it by the Chief Medical Officers of the Health Departments of the United Kingdom'.
Annual Report

BULLETINS/NEWSLETTERS

The Quarter: quarter 1, 2008-2009 (27th August 2008)

National Register of Social Housing Bulletin - Spring 2008 (12th August 2008)

Health Protection Report Vol. 2 No. 33 (15th August 2008)

Health Protection Report Vol. 2 No. 34 (22nd August 2008)

Health Protection Report Vol. 2 No. 35 (29th August 2008)

CARE/CARERS

New Deal for Carers: deliberative events (15th August 2008)
In addition to the ideas tree the Department of Health ran nine regional events during September and October 2007. The outcomes of the consultation and work from the four task forces were considered at three deliberative events - two for adult carers and one for young carers in November 2007.
Event details
Executive Summary of the deliberative events
Final Report
Appendix 1 - Adult Carers deliberative event
Appendix 2 - Young Carers deliberative event

Care, support, independence: stakeholder events toolkit (1st September 2008)
The Government is undertaking an extensive period of engagement between May and November 2008 about the long-term future of England’s care and support system. As part of the engagement process, the Government wants to involve stakeholders in discussions about how the system can meet the challenges of the future. Materials have been developed to help organisations to lead discussions with colleagues and other people in their networks so that their opinions can inform the debate.
Toolkit

ARTICLE - Self reported receipt of care consistent with 32 quality indicators: national population survey of adults aged 50 or more in England (August 2008)
This article assesses the receipt of effective healthcare interventions in England by adults aged 50 or more with serious health conditions. It showed that there was a large gap between recommended care and care that is actually received.
Article

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) media pack (August 2008)
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is part of the Government's wider scheme, laid out in the Children's Plan and Every Child Matters, to give all children the best possible start in life. Introducing statutory standards for childcare for 0- to 5-year-olds gives every child the right, regardless of their background, to play, have fun and develop safely when they are looked after outside of their home. It means that parents can relax, safe in the knowledge that their children will get the same excellent standards of learning and care, regardless of the type of setting they attend.
Media Pack

‘Fun and Freedom’ (28th August 2008)
Children have identified freedom, socialising with friends and active outdoor fun as vital to play in a new report published by Play England and the children’s commissioner for England. For most children, freedom, physical activity and areas that encourage them to socialize were crucial elements of good play provision. An opportunity to engage in active, outdoor play was the most consistent request. However, barriers to play still exist and many children raised concerns about road traffic, bullying, peer-racism, stranger danger and negative adult attitudes.
Report

COMMISSIONING

Value People Now: Transfer of the responsibility for the commissioning of social care for adults with a learning disability from the NHS to local government and transfer of the appropriate funding (21st August 2008)
This letter and annex set out the existing policy and legal framework for the transfer of learning disability social care funding and commissioning from the NHS to local authorities with effect from 1 April 2009. The annex provides guidance on what is covered, what PCTs and LAs need to do and the timescale for the transfer. The proposed transfer was set out in Valuing People Now.
Publication
Annex A Easy Read Version

Interim report of the Expert Group on Commissioning NHS Infertility Provision: letter from the Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo, to Chairs of Primary Care Trusts (22nd August 2008)
An Expert Group on Commissioning NHS Infertility Provision was established by the Department at the beginning of 2008, with the aim of identifying the barriers to the implementation of the NICE fertility guideline and helping PCTs move towards the implementation of the guideline. The group is due to report in 2009, and has issued an interim report with recommendations, including that consideration be given to a clear clinical pathway and a national tariff for regulated fertility services.
Letter
Interim Report

Managing urgent mental health needs in the acute trust: a guide by practitioners, for managers and commissioners in England and Wales (August 2008)
This document describes the characteristics of a good acute mental health service. It sets out clearly and firmly the principles and standards that should be applied to any acute medical and surgical service.
Document

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Early evaluation of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (14th August 2008)
This study was commissioned to provide an early evaluation of some of the measures of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004. The report focuses on the three measures of the Act that were implemented during the evaluation period: making common assault an arrestable offence*; making it an arrestable, criminal offence to breach a non-molestation order; and extending the civil law on domestic violence (to ensure cohabiting same-sex couples have the same access to non-molestation and occupation orders as opposite sex couples, and non-molestation orders are available to couples who have never cohabited).
Report

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Response to the consultation on regulations for Local Involvement Networks (LINks) (13th August 2008)
The Department of Health has published a response to a consultation it held on the draft regulations for Local Involvement Networks (LINks). The draft regulations set out how LINks’ powers would work in practice and the consultation asked a number of specific questions. The publication summarises the consultation results and the Governments response to the views expressed.
Response

Independent evaluation report of Improving health, supporting justice: a consultation document (26th August 2008)
This is an independent evaluation of inter governmental consultation document, Improving Health, Supporting Justice, which focuses upon the health and social care services for those individuals who have offended or are at risk of offending. This report will form part of the evidence set for the developing national Offender Health and Social Care Strategy, that is likely to be published in spring 2009.
Response

CONSULTATIONS

The General Osteopathic Council (Constitution) Order 2008 - A paper for consultation (15th August 2008)
This draft orders sets out a proposed constitution for the GOsC. It provides details of the composition of the council, the terms of office for council members, and criteria for the disqualification, suspension or removal of members from office. The Health Care and Associated Professions (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2008 was made on 9 July. It makes a number of changes to the constitutional arrangements for the General Osteopathic Council. Instead of the constitutional details of the GOsC being set out in the Osteopaths Act 1993, these details must now be set out in a separate Constitution Order made by the Privy Council. This paper considers the proposed constitution of the General Osteopathic Council. Closing date for comments 7th November 2008.
Consultation document
Draft Constitution Order
Draft Appointment Directions
Response Questionnaire

The General Optical Council (Constitution) Order 2008 - A paper for consultation (15th August 2008)
This draft orders sets out a proposed constitution for the GOC. It provides details of the composition of the council, the terms of office for council members, and criteria for the disqualification, suspension or removal of members from office. The Health Care and Associated Professions (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2008 was made on 9 July. It makes a number of changes to the constitutional arrangements for the General Optical Council. Instead of the constitutional details of the GOC being set out in the Opticians Act 1989, these details must now be set out in a separate Constitution Order made by the Privy Council. This paper considers the proposed constitution of the General Optical Council. Closing date for comments is 7th November 2008.
Consultation Document
Draft Constitution Order
Draft Appointment Directions
Response Questionnaire

Consultation on direct payments regulations (19th August 2008)
Direct payments are crucial to achieving the Government's aim to increase independence, choice and control for service users and their carers through allowing them the opportunity to arrange their own personalised care. The Health and Social Care Act 2008 extends the availability of direct payments to those people who lack the capacity to consent to their receipt. In addition, the government is also reviewing the current exclusions to receiving direct payments for those people who are subject to various provisions of mental health legislation in light of the modernisation of mental health law brought about by the Mental Health Act 2007. The Government is now consulting on regulations relating to these two changes. Closing date for comments is 11th November 2008.
Consultation Document
Easy Read Consultation Document
Consultation Response Template
Draft Statutory Instrument
Impact Assessment

Pharmacy in England: Building on strengths - delivering the future - proposals for legislative change (27th August 2008)
The Pharmacy White Paper (Pharmacy in England: Building on Strengths – delivering the future) was published on 3 April 2008. This consultation document, Building on Strengths - delivering the future – proposals for legislative change, fulfils the commitment to publish fuller information on a number of proposals for structural change and consult on them. The document discusses a number of changes and levers which the Department believes are needed in both the medium and longer-term to transform delivery and to align pharmaceutical services within the wider reform programme. Closing date for comments is 20th November 2008.
Consultation

A European Health Service? (August 2008)
The European Commission has published legal proposals on patients' rights to receive healthcare in other European countries. This consultation outlines the key issues covered and seeks views from NHS organisations on the likely implications for the NHS. Comments should be received by 14 November 2008.
Consultation

DIABETES

Five years on: delivering the diabetes national service framework (20th August 2008)
The Diabetes National Service Framework (NSF) set out the first ever set of national standards for the care of people with diabetes. This report highlights progress over the first five years of the NSF Delivery Strategy; marking the half-way point of the implementation period.
Report

DISABILITIES

Counting the costs (28th August 2008)
Families with disabled children are struggling with soaring cost of living and some families are going without basic food and heating. These are the findings of Counting the Costs, a survey and report from Contact a Family, the charity for families with disabled children. Key findings include: One in six disabled children lives in a household struggling to afford food and heating; Almost half of families have borrowed money from friends and family, with one in five using the cash to pay their heating bills; and One in 14 children with a disability or medical condition is living under threat of losing their home. Contact a Family surveyed almost 800 parent carers in the UK about their financial situation in the current economic crisis.
Report

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

Changing economic circumstances in childhood and their effects on subsequent educational and other outcomes (26th August 2008)
The detrimental effects of poverty on children’s development are well established: children growing up in poverty, especially persistent poverty, do less well at school, have poorer health and often end up in poorly paid jobs or unemployment as adults. Moreover, a lack of income can mean that children are unable to participate in social activities in the same way as their better-off peers are able to do. However, it is the nature and size of the link between changes in family income and income related measures on the one hand and child outcomes on the other, particularly educational and behaviour outcomes, that form the essence of this report.
Report

EMERGENCIES

Report on the lessons learned from the summer 2007 flooding experiences, from an Estates and Facilities perspective (18th August 2008)
During June and July 2007, unprecedented rainfall occurred across certain parts of England, causing serious flooding and disruption to the social infrastructure, including health and social care services. Whilst most of England was affected, there were three main areas of the country where the most impact upon the health and social care services provision was felt. These areas are Gloucestershire, East Yorkshire (Hull) and South Yorkshire (Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster). Whilst it is recognised that other parts of the country were significantly affected, e.g. Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley, following discussions with colleagues at Strategic Health Authority level, it was envisaged that no additional lessons could be learned over and above those which should be identified by concentrating on the experiences of those involved in the three areas above.
Report

FAMILIES

Exploring Disability, Family Formation and Break-up: Reviewing the evidence (26th August 2008)
The overall aim of the project is to assess patterns of family formation and change where families include a disabled adult or a disabled child and the primary focus is on family units which include a dependent child. The research involves assessing currently available literature and conducting data analysis to explore the experience of relationship breakdown in families which include a disabled person, and examining whether there are associations that can be highlighted between disability experiences and relationship transitions. The research seeks to enable Government to build strategies which better support disabled adults and parents of disabled children, particularly in relation to employment roles and additionally, in relation to carer and childcare related needs. The analysis has wider implications for policies concerning flexible leave arrangements in relation to childcare, disability experiences and caring and for support for lone-parents.
Report

GENERAL PRACTICE

Practice based commissioning GP practice survey (29th August 2008)
This is the fourth quarterly practice survey, covering a sample of practices from each primary care trust (PCT), conducted between June and August 2008. The aims of the survey are to get feedback from practices on their perception of the support offered by their PCT and on the clinical and financial engagement of practices with PBC. The survey is part of a group of indicators that will be assessed together to give a picture of PBC implementation.
National Summary of Results
Detailed Results for Primary Care Results

GUIDANCE/GUIDELINES

Department of Health central purchase and distribution of the British National Formularies (8th August 2008)
Guidance for NHS organisations ordering supplies of the British National Formularies.
Guidance

Guidance on the diagnosis and management of PVL associated Staphylococcus aureus infections (PVL-SA) in England: Report prepared by the PVL sub-group of the Steering Group on Healthcare Associated Infection (22nd August 2008)
This guidance was prepared by a sub-group of the Steering Group on Healthcare Associated Infections at the request of the Department of Health and replaces the interim guidance drafted by the Health Protection Agency working group in 2006. It is based on expert opinion following review of the literature and experiences of colleagues in the UK, Europe, the USA and Canada. The guidance is intended to provide easily accessible advice on the recognition, investigation and management of PVL-Staphylococcus aureus cases.
Guidance

Ambulance guidelines: reducing infection through effective practice in the pre-hospital environment (29th August 2008)
In the pre-hospital environment, there are three key high-risk areas for the transfer of infection: Direct transfer through the hands of clinical practitioners; Invasive devices; The emergency environment. This document explains how the risk of infection can be reduced by adhering to best practice in: Hand hygiene; The use of personal protective equipment; Aseptic technique; Working in the pre-hospital environment.
Guidelines

HEALTHCARE COMMISSION

Services for young people and adolescents - supplementary report to the national audit of specialist inpatient healthcare services for people with learning difficulties in England (21st August 2008)
This is part of a suite of material that the Healthcare Commission has produced to support the findings from the national audit of specialist inpatient healthcare services for people with learning difficulties in England, carried out in 2007. This report provides supplementary details on the findings of the audit that relate specifically to specialist services for young people and adolescents. This should be read alongside the full report of the audit.
Report
National Audit

HIV AND AIDS

HIV and AIDS in the North West of England 2007 (14th August 2008)
This is the twelfth annual report of the North West HIV/AIDS Monitoring Unit, presenting data on HIV positive
individuals accessing treatment and care in the North West Region.
Full Report
Executive Summary
County Database

HOUSING

In brief: The link between housing and drug treatment outcomes (29th August 2008)
In 2004 the Audit Commission pointed out an over-emphasis on treating drug addiction and a lack of emphasis on providing the support necessary to bring order to chaotic lives. The connection between drug misuse and homelessness is a strong one but despite this, agencies and commissioners who support homeless drug users often work in isolation from each other. The Clean Break project focused on how housing and drug treatment services can work together more effectively and makes recommendations for future improvements.
In brief
Clean Break Final Report

Housing aspirations and shared ownership (29th August 2008)
Shared ownership allows a household to buy a share of their home (typically between 25% and 75%) and pay an affordable, but not social/regulated, rent on the remainder (usually to a housing association). In this paper, shared ownership is considered as distinct from schemes such as Open Market HomeBuy, which involves an equity loan, and from the right to buy, which involves an outright purchase but at a discount.
Paper

Social Housing and Worklessness: Qualitative Research Findings (26th August 2008)
In his recent review of the future role of the social rented housing sector, John Hills (2007) observed that levels of worklessness within the social rented sector are disproportionately high, even when taking into account the relatively high levels of disadvantage apparent among the tenant base. This report presents the key findings to emerge from a study commissioned by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) that set out to explain the relatively high levels of worklessness apparent within the social rented sector.
Report

IMMUNISATION

Statutory Directions for the Routine Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Programme (27th August 2008)
Letter giving the legal framework and guidance to trusts on the programme.
Letter

Impact assessment of introduction of HPV vaccination (29th August 2008)
HPV vaccination was recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
Impact Assessment

INFECTION CONTROL

Going Further Faster II: Applying the learning to reduce HCAI and improve cleanliness (29th August 2008)
This guide is a summary of the key interventions that will enable organisations to prioritise efforts and maximise impact. It reflects the accumulated learning, evidence and good practice on the critical actions that NHS trusts can take. The guide aims to help everyone move faster and in a sustainable way towards the goal of zero tolerance toward infection and delivering a clean NHS.

Guide

LONG TERM CONDITIONS

Disease Management Information Toolkit (DMIT) Paediatric Asthma Data Module (22nd August 2008)
This document provides guidance for use with the Disease Management Information Toolkit (DMIT) Paediatric Asthma Data Module. The data module will enable PCTs to compare their emergency admission rates, bed-days and lengths of stay with a range of different comparators. Potential cost savings through reductions in admissions and bed-days for PCTs are also included.
Document

Disease Management Information Toolkit (DMIT) (Updated August 2008)
DMIT is a voluntary good practice tool that the NHS may wish to use to strengthen their approach to Disease Management, by presenting data at Primary Care Trust (PCT) level on conditions contributing to high numbers of emergency bed days. DMIT models the effects of possible interventions which may be commissioned at a local level. It aims to support decision-makers, commissioners and deliverers of care for people with LTCs.
Toolkit

LOCAL AUTHORITY/GOVERNMENT

LAC(DH)(2008)6: Supported Capital Expenditure (capital grant) for adult social care IT infrastructure: financial years 2008/2009-2010/2011 (21st August 2008)
This circular sets out how the capital grant for developing adult social care IT infrastructure is to be allocated from 2008/2009 and provides suggestions for use of the grant by councils.
Circular

MENTAL HEALTH

Mental Capacity Act 2005: Deprivation of liberty safeguards - Code of Practice to supplement the main Mental Capacity Act 2005 Code of Practice (26th August 2008)
The deprivation of liberty safeguards Code of Practice was laid in draft before Parliament by the Lord Chancellor on 13 June 2008, in accordance with sections 42 and 43 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The Code was subject to the negative Parliamentary process, and successfully completed its 40 day laying period on 22 July. The Code of Practice contains guidance on the deprivation of liberty safeguards. It is particularly intended to provide guidance for professionals involved in administering and delivering the safeguards, who are under a duty to have regard to the Code. The Code is also intended to provide information for people who are, or could become, subject to the deprivation of liberty safeguards, and for their families, friends and carers, as well as for anyone who believes that someone is being deprived of their liberty unlawfully.
Code of Practice

NICE

Commissioning Guide - Antenatal and postnatal mental health services (August 2008)
This commissioning guide provides support for the local implementation of NICE clinical guidelines through commissioning, and is a resource to help health professionals in England to commission effective antenatal and postnatal mental health services.
Commissioning Guide

Breast cancer (early and locally advanced): draft guideline consultation (13th August 2008)
A clinical practice guideline on Breast cancer (early & locally advanced) is being developed for use in the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Registered stakeholders for this guideline are invited to comment on the provisional recommendations via this website. Closing date for comments is 8th October 2008.
Full Draft Guideline
NICE Draft Guideline
Evidence Review
Needs Assessment
Comments Proforma

Breast cancer (advanced): consultation on the draft guidance (13th August 2008)
A clinical practice guideline on Breast cancer (advanced) is being developed for use in the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Registered stakeholders for this guideline are invited to comment on the provisional recommendations via this website. Closing date for comments is 8th October 2008.
Full Draft Guideline
NICE Draft Guideline
Evidence Review
Needs Assessment
Comments Proforma

Promoting Physical Activity for children: consultation on the draft guidance (18th August 2008)
Consultation on the draft guidance relating to Promoting physical activity, active play and sport for pre-school and school age children in family, pre-school, school and community settings. Registered stakeholders are invited to comment on the draft guidance document which entails the draft recommendations. Closing date for comments is 16th September 2008.
Consultation

Management of long-term sickness and absence and incapacity for work: consultation on the draft guidance (20th August 2008)
Consultation on the draft guidance for primary care and employers on the management of long term sickness and incapacity. This consultation will take place between 20 August - 17 September 2008.
Draft Guidance
Comments Form

Insertion of mesh uterine suspension sling (including sacrophysteropexy) for uterine prolapse repair: interventional procedures consultation document (27th August 2008)
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is examining the insertion of mesh uterine suspension sling (including sacrohysteropexy) for uterine prolapse repair and will publish guidance on its safety and efficacy to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. NICE's Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee has considered the available evidence and the views of Specialist Advisers, who are consultants with knowledge of the procedure. The Advisory Committee has made provisional recommendations about the insertion of mesh uterine suspension sling (including sacrohysteropexy) for uterine prolapse repair. Closing date for comments is 24th September 2008.
Consultation

Infracoccygeal sacropexy using mesh for uterine prolapse repair: interventional procedure consultation document (27th August 2008)
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is examining infracoccygeal sacropexy using mesh for uterine prolapse repair and will publish guidance on its safety and efficacy to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. NICE's Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee has considered the available evidence and the views of Specialist Advisers, who are consultants with knowledge of the procedure. The Advisory Committee has made provisional recommendations about infracoccygeal sacropexy using mesh for uterine prolapse repair. Closing date for comments is 24th September 2008.
Consultation

Infracoccygeal sacropexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair: interventional procedure consultation document (27th August 2008)
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is examining infracoccygeal sacropexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair and will publish guidance on its safety and efficacy to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. NICE’s Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee has considered the available evidence and the views of Specialist Advisers, who are consultants with knowledge of the procedure. The Advisory Committee has made provisional recommendations about infracoccygeal sacropexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair. Closing date for comments is 24th September 2008.
Consultation

Sacrocolpopexy using mesh for uterine prolapse repair: interventional procedure consultation document (27th August 2008)
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is examining sacrocolpopexy using mesh for uterine prolapse repair and will publish guidance on its safety and efficacy to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. NICE?s Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee has considered the available evidence and the views of Specialist Advisers, who are consultants with knowledge of the procedure. The Advisory Committee has made provisional recommendations about sacrocolpopexy using mesh for uterine prolapse repair. Closing date for comments is 24th September 2008.
Consultation

Sacrocolpopexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair: interventional procedure consultation document (27th August 2008)
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is examining sacrocolpopexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair and will publish guidance on its safety and efficacy to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. NICE?s Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee has considered the available evidence and the views of Specialist Advisers, who are consultants with knowledge of the procedure. The Advisory Committee has made provisional recommendations about sacrocolpopexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair. Closing date for comments is 24th September 2008.
Consultation

Pain (chronic neuropathic or ischaemic) - spinal cord stimulation: final appraisal determination (1st September 2008)
After considering the feedback from consultation, the Appraisal Committee has prepared a Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) on Pain (chronic neuropathic or ischaemic) - spinal cord stimulation and submitted it to the Institute. The FAD has been sent to the formal consultees for this appraisal who have 15 working days to consider whether they wish to appeal against it. Subject to any appeal by consultees, the FAD may be used as the basis for the Institute's guidance on the use of the appraised technology in the NHS in England and Wales. Please note that the appeal period for this appraisal will close at 5pm on 15th September 2008.
Final Appraisal Determination
Table of comments on ACD
Consultee and Commentator Comments
Expert Comments on the ACD

Abdominal aortic aneurysm - endovascular stent-grafts: appraisal consultation (2nd September 2008)
The Department of Health has asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE or the Institute) to conduct a multiple technology appraisal of endovascular stent–grafts and provide guidance on their use to the NHS in England. The Appraisal Committee has had its first meeting to consider both the evidence submitted and the views put forward by non-manufacturer consultees and commentators, and by the clinical specialist and patient expert representatives nominated for this appraisal by non-manufacturer consultees and commentators. The Committee has developed preliminary recommendations on the use of endovascular stent–grafts. Closing date for comments is 22nd September 2008.
Consultation
Evaluation Report

Hearing impairment - cochlear implants: final appraisal determination (2nd September 2008)
After considering the feedback from consultation, the Appraisal Committee has prepared a Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) on Cochlear implants for severe to profound deafness in children and adults and submitted it to the Institute. The FAD has been sent to the formal consultees for this appraisal who have 15 working days to consider whether they wish to appeal against it. Subject to any appeal by consultees, the FAD may be used as the basis for the Institute's guidance on the use of the appraised technology in the NHS in England and Wales. Please note that the appeal period for this appraisal will close at 5pm on 16 September 2008.
Final Appraisal Determination
Response to Consultee, Commentator and Public Comments on the ACD
Consultee and Commentator Comments on the ACD
Expert comments on the ACD

Identification and management of familial hypercholesterolaemia Clinical Guideline CG71 (27th August 2008)
The advice in the NICE guideline covers the care and treatment of adults and children/young people with familial hypercholesterolaemia (a specific type of inherited high cholesterol that runs in the family). It does not cover other forms of hypercholesterolaemia that are not genetic (inherited) or that are due to other genetic conditions.
Full Guideline and Appenices A - G
NICE Guideline
Quick Reference Guide
Understanding NICE Guidance
Costing Template
Costing Report

Entecavir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B Technology Appraisal TA153 (27th August 2008)
Entecavir is recommended as a possible treatment for people with chronic hepatitis B.
Guidance
Quick Reference Guide
Understanding NICE Guidance
Costing Statement
Audit Support

Telbivudine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B Technology Appraisal TA154 (27th August 2008)
Telbivudine is not recommended for people with chronic hepatitis B. Healthcare professionals should not stop prescribing telbivudine for people who were already taking it when the guidance was issued. These patients should be able to carry on taking telbivudine until they and their healthcare professionals decide that it is the right time to stop treatment.
Guidance
Quick Reference Guide
Understanding NICE Guidance
Audit Support
Costing Statement

Implantation of miniature lens systems for advanced age-related macular degeneration Interventional Procedure Guidance IPG272 (27th August 2008)
Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disorder that usually starts later in life and causes problems with central vision. In this procedure, a combination of artificial lenses is implanted behind the pupil of one eye. The aim is that the implanted lenses help improve central vision while the other eye is used for peripheral vision.
Guidance
Understanding NICE Guidance
Audit Support
Consultation Comments

Macular degeneration (age-related) - ranibizumab and pegaptanib Technology Appraisal TA155 (27th August 2008)
Ranibizumab is recommended as a possible treatment for people with wet AMD if all the following apply to their eye: The best possible visual acuity after correction with glasses or contact lenses is between 6/12 and 6/96; There is no permanent damage to the fovea (the part of the eye that helps people to see things in sharp detail); The area affected by AMD is no larger than 12 times the size of the area inside the eye where the optic nerve connects to the retina; and There are signs that the condition has been getting worse. Pegaptanib is not recommended for people with wet AMD. Healthcare professionals should not immediately stop prescribing pegaptanib for people who were already taking it when the guidance was issued. These people should be able to carry on taking pegaptanib until they and their healthcare professionals decide that it is the right time to stop treatment.
Guidance
Quick Reference Guide
Understanding NICE Guidance
Cost Template

Pregnancy (rhesus negative women) - routine anti-D (review) (27th August 2008)
Routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis is recommended as a treatment option for all pregnant women who are RhD negative and who are not known to be 'sensitised'. When a decision has been made to give routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis, the treatment with the lowest cost should be used. This should take into account the costs of both obtaining and giving the treatment.
Guidance
Quick Reference Guide
Understanding NICE Guidance
Audit Support
Costing Statement

Technical patient safety solutions for ventilator - associated pneumonia in adults Patient Safety Solutions Pilot Guidance PSG002 (27th August 2008)
The NICE guidance covers patients who are on a ventilator and have a tube placed into their mouth, nose or through the neck and down into their windpipe. Healthcare professionals should: make sure these patients are sitting up or leaning back supported for as much of the time as possible. This will not be appropriate for all patients (for example, those with injuries to the spine); and make sure an antiseptic is included as part of the mouth care routine for these patients.
Guidance
Understanding NICE Guidance
Costing Statement
Audit Support
Slide Set

Total Wrist Replacement Interventional Procedure Guidance IPG271 (27th August 2008)
Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling and damage to the cartilage and bone around the joints, including the wrist. It is painful and can reduce the function of the joint. Total wrist replacement aims to create an artificial wrist joint consisting of metal implants attached to the end of the arm and to the hand, separated by a spacer to allow movement of the hand.
Guidance
NICE Guidance