Trust Practice Health Update 35 (16th March 2010)
Health Update 35 (16th March 2010)
FSA eNews March 2010 (17th March 2010)
Health Protection Report Vol. 4 No. 9 (5th March 2010)
Health Protection Report Vol. 4 No. 10 (12th March 2010)
GP and Practice Team Bulletin Issue 92, March 2010 (8th March 2010)
NHS Design Champions Newsletter Issue 1, March 2010 (10th March 2010)
Showing posts with label Audit Commission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Audit Commission. Show all posts
19 March 2010
FINANCE
Healthy Balance. A review of public health performance and spending (11th March 2010)
This briefing, from the Audit Commission, estimates that £21 billion of NHS funds has been allocated in 2009/10 on the basis of health inequalities. Despite the health of the nation improving overall, health inequalities has proved a stubborn area to address.
It highlights some of the variation in success among different localities, particularly for teenage pregnancies. Despite the sums of money allocated, it is not always clear how much has been spent on improving health inequalities and what the impact has been. It is hard to see an obvious link between spending and improvement, or get any clear view of value for money.
BriefingThis briefing, from the Audit Commission, estimates that £21 billion of NHS funds has been allocated in 2009/10 on the basis of health inequalities. Despite the health of the nation improving overall, health inequalities has proved a stubborn area to address.
It highlights some of the variation in success among different localities, particularly for teenage pregnancies. Despite the sums of money allocated, it is not always clear how much has been spent on improving health inequalities and what the impact has been. It is hard to see an obvious link between spending and improvement, or get any clear view of value for money.
Statements on Internal Control (SICs) 2009/10: disclosures guidance (published 1st February 2010 new to website 4th March 2010)
Clarification on how and where organisations should make disclosures or qualifications on their Statement on Internal Control (SIC) about risk management and review processes being in place for the full year, gaps in assurance frameworks, NHS Pension Scheme compliance and significant control issues for 2008/09.
Information
Clarification on how and where organisations should make disclosures or qualifications on their Statement on Internal Control (SIC) about risk management and review processes being in place for the full year, gaps in assurance frameworks, NHS Pension Scheme compliance and significant control issues for 2008/09.
Information
INFORMATION
The truth is out there. A discussion paper (5th March 2010)
This discussion paper looks at how the public sector can improve information made available to the public. It follows the Audit Commission's publication in November 2009, Nothing but the truth, that looked at the reliability of facts and figures used by public service providers and decision-makers such as councils and health trusts, social workers, doctors and police.
The next document in their 'Truth' series, 'The truth is out there' poses questions such as 'What information will capture the public’s imagination?' and 'How will the public know what information to trust?'
Paper
This discussion paper looks at how the public sector can improve information made available to the public. It follows the Audit Commission's publication in November 2009, Nothing but the truth, that looked at the reliability of facts and figures used by public service providers and decision-makers such as councils and health trusts, social workers, doctors and police.
The next document in their 'Truth' series, 'The truth is out there' poses questions such as 'What information will capture the public’s imagination?' and 'How will the public know what information to trust?'
Paper
PRIMARY CARE TRUSTS
Cancer Awareness and Early Diagnosis Programme funding (8th March 2010)
Letter announcing funding for 2010/11 to develop or build on existing services/interventions that aim to promote early diagnosis of cancer, and inviting proposals from primary care trusts by 28 April 2010.
Information
Letter announcing funding for 2010/11 to develop or build on existing services/interventions that aim to promote early diagnosis of cancer, and inviting proposals from primary care trusts by 28 April 2010.
Information
NHS Pharmaceutical Services - Transfer of the Global Sum to PCT Allocations (10th March 2010)
The attached letter draws attention to important considerations in managing funding for NHS services provided by community pharmacies and appliance contractors, following devolvement of the centrally held funding to PCTs from 1 April 2010.
Information
The attached letter draws attention to important considerations in managing funding for NHS services provided by community pharmacies and appliance contractors, following devolvement of the centrally held funding to PCTs from 1 April 2010.
Information
New value for money (VfM) profiles launched (17th March 2010)
The Audit Commission has launched new value for money (VfM) profiles for PCTs, fire and rescue authorities, police authorities and councils. These are more user-friendly, have a clearer focus on VfM, track levels of spend to assess the impact of improvements, and compare spend and performance to other bodies.
Information
The Audit Commission has launched new value for money (VfM) profiles for PCTs, fire and rescue authorities, police authorities and councils. These are more user-friendly, have a clearer focus on VfM, track levels of spend to assess the impact of improvements, and compare spend and performance to other bodies.
Information
4 March 2010
FOUNDATION TRUSTS
Northern Governors Events 2010 (23rd February 2010)
The Audit Commission have announced two free seminars in the North of England for foundation trust and aspiring foundation trust governors. The dates are:
The Audit Commission have announced two free seminars in the North of England for foundation trust and aspiring foundation trust governors. The dates are:
- 14th April 2010 - Newcastle
- 27th April 2010 - Warrington
Quality accounts 2 (25th February 2010)
The Foundation Trust Network has launched a publication on the practical elements of producing quality accounts, including engagement and assurance.
LOCAL AUTHORITY/GOVERNMENT
Under Pressure. Tackling the financial challenge for councils of an ageing population (18th February 2010)
Councils face the challenge of an ageing population as public spending reduces. This report, from the Audit Commission, says most councils do not know enough about the costs of their ageing population. They may also miss the savings that could flow from preventive services and better work with other organisations.
Report
Councils face the challenge of an ageing population as public spending reduces. This report, from the Audit Commission, says most councils do not know enough about the costs of their ageing population. They may also miss the savings that could flow from preventive services and better work with other organisations.
Report
The social determinants of health and the role of local government (3rd March 2010)
This collection of articles assesses what local government can do to tackle the social conditions that lead to health inequalities. Written by distinguished practitioners and academics, the publication builds on the recent Marmot Review report, 'Fair Society, Healthy Lives'.
Some of the articles are deliberately challenging and provocative. Some of them present a picture of what is already happening in local government. Some look to what more local authorities could do, either with additional powers or by using their existing powers and remit. All will challenge and extend your current thinking.
PUBLIC SERVICES
Oneplace National Overview Report (24th February 2010)
This report looks at the findings from the first year of Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA). It is published by the six inspectorates responsible for assessing local public services in England - the Audit Commission, Care Quality Commission, Her Majesty’s Inspectorates of Constabulary, Prisons and Probation, and Ofsted.
The report concludes that local public bodies need to learn from each other and work more closely together if they are to improve services and increase value for money.
Report
This report looks at the findings from the first year of Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA). It is published by the six inspectorates responsible for assessing local public services in England - the Audit Commission, Care Quality Commission, Her Majesty’s Inspectorates of Constabulary, Prisons and Probation, and Ofsted.
The report concludes that local public bodies need to learn from each other and work more closely together if they are to improve services and increase value for money.
Report
4 February 2010
AUDIT
Annual audit letters 2008/09 (29th January 2010)
The Audit Commission publish annual audit letters to enhance the openness and transparency of the audit process, for which they have overall responsibility. Annual audit letters summarise key matters arising from the yearly audit in clear language for executives and stakeholders.
Audit letters
The Audit Commission publish annual audit letters to enhance the openness and transparency of the audit process, for which they have overall responsibility. Annual audit letters summarise key matters arising from the yearly audit in clear language for executives and stakeholders.
Audit letters
CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE
Giving children a healthy start (3rd February 2010)
This report assesses the local implementation of national policy from 1999 to 2009 on the health of children from birth to five years of age in England. It examines local service planning and delivery, including priority setting, and how local bodies can improve service delivery and access for vulnerable groups such as black and minority ethnic (BME) communities, lone and teenage parents. The report discusses the impact of government funding on health outcomes for the under-fives; how effectively local bodies manage their resources; and the extent to which they are providing good value for money. It provides recommendations for national and local bodies, as well as examples of notable practice.
Report
This report assesses the local implementation of national policy from 1999 to 2009 on the health of children from birth to five years of age in England. It examines local service planning and delivery, including priority setting, and how local bodies can improve service delivery and access for vulnerable groups such as black and minority ethnic (BME) communities, lone and teenage parents. The report discusses the impact of government funding on health outcomes for the under-fives; how effectively local bodies manage their resources; and the extent to which they are providing good value for money. It provides recommendations for national and local bodies, as well as examples of notable practice.
Report
Small steps towards a healthier life (2nd February 2010)
The Food Standards Agency has officially launched SmallSteps4Life – an interactive website to motivate young people to take simple steps towards improving their health and well-being, both inside and outside the classroom.
Information
The Food Standards Agency has officially launched SmallSteps4Life – an interactive website to motivate young people to take simple steps towards improving their health and well-being, both inside and outside the classroom.
Information
Promoting the emotional health of children and young people: guidance for Children's Trust partnerships, including how to deliver (January 2010)
The emotional health of children and young people is increasingly recognised as being fundamental to the wellbeing and future prospects of individuals and communities. Emotional health is nurtured primarily in the home, but we know that practitioners and services can and do make a difference.
This non-statutory guidance is for directors and assistant directors of children’s services, directors of public health, commissioning managers in local authorities and Primary Care Trusts. It aims to help Children’s Trust partners to develop a strategic approach to improving the emotional health of children and young people, in line with the aims of NI 50.
Guidance
The emotional health of children and young people is increasingly recognised as being fundamental to the wellbeing and future prospects of individuals and communities. Emotional health is nurtured primarily in the home, but we know that practitioners and services can and do make a difference.
This non-statutory guidance is for directors and assistant directors of children’s services, directors of public health, commissioning managers in local authorities and Primary Care Trusts. It aims to help Children’s Trust partners to develop a strategic approach to improving the emotional health of children and young people, in line with the aims of NI 50.
Guidance
CONSULTATION RESPONSES
Consultation report on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Parental Orders) Regulations 2010 (28th January 2010)
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Parental Orders) Regulations 2010 were published in draft for public consultation between 1 September 2009 and 23 November 2009. This report summarises responses received to the consultation.
Subject to Parliamentary approval it is anticipated these Regulations will come into force on 6 April 2010.
Response
Subject to Parliamentary approval it is anticipated these Regulations will come into force on 6 April 2010.
Response
Reforming the Medical Statement. Government response to the consultation on draft regulations: The Social Security (Medical Evidence) and the Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) (Amendment) (29th January 2010)
Between 28 May 2009 and 31 August 2009 the Government undertook a consultation on draft regulations that will support the revised medical statement. The aim is for the revised medical statement to allow a doctor to consider not only whether their patient is unfit for work, but also whether their patient may be able to do work based on the doctor’s assessment of the patient’s health condition; it also simplifies the suite of medical statements.
The Social Security (Medical Evidence) and the Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 come into effect on 6 April 2010.
This document describes the comments made by respondents and provides the Government’s response.
Response
Between 28 May 2009 and 31 August 2009 the Government undertook a consultation on draft regulations that will support the revised medical statement. The aim is for the revised medical statement to allow a doctor to consider not only whether their patient is unfit for work, but also whether their patient may be able to do work based on the doctor’s assessment of the patient’s health condition; it also simplifies the suite of medical statements.
The Social Security (Medical Evidence) and the Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 come into effect on 6 April 2010.
This document describes the comments made by respondents and provides the Government’s response.
Response
PbR data assurance framework consultation for 2010/11 onwards (28th January 2010)
The Audit Commission launched a consultation on the Payment by Results (PbR) data assurance framework for 2010/11 onwards in Autumn 2009. This document is the response to the consultation.
Response
The Audit Commission launched a consultation on the Payment by Results (PbR) data assurance framework for 2010/11 onwards in Autumn 2009. This document is the response to the consultation.
Response
20 January 2010
PRIMARY CARE TRUSTS
PCT Value for money profiles (15th January 2010)
The new primary care trust (PCT) value for money (VfM) profiles are available as an interactive web tool.
The tool provides comparative information about a selected PCT's performance in managing costs and delivering outputs (activities) and outcomes (health improvements for local people). It also tracks performance over time to see whether improvements are being achieved in line with priorities and how the trend in performance compares to others.
Tool
The new primary care trust (PCT) value for money (VfM) profiles are available as an interactive web tool.
The tool provides comparative information about a selected PCT's performance in managing costs and delivering outputs (activities) and outcomes (health improvements for local people). It also tracks performance over time to see whether improvements are being achieved in line with priorities and how the trend in performance compares to others.
Tool
Practice-based commissioning budget guidance for 2010/11 (14th January 2010)
PCTs are responsible for ensuring that practices receive an indicative budget that reflects the needs of their population as accurately as possible. This allows a practice to access a 'fair share' of the resources available to the whole of the PCT for its patients. The Department has updated the toolkit that can be used to determine weighted capitation indicative budgets at practice level. This is part of our ongoing commitment to refine the methodology and improve accuracy.
Toolkit
PCTs are responsible for ensuring that practices receive an indicative budget that reflects the needs of their population as accurately as possible. This allows a practice to access a 'fair share' of the resources available to the whole of the PCT for its patients. The Department has updated the toolkit that can be used to determine weighted capitation indicative budgets at practice level. This is part of our ongoing commitment to refine the methodology and improve accuracy.
Toolkit
GP Extended Opening Hours (7th January 2010)
PCTs are to continue to progress extended opening hours in GP practices, particularly for patients of practices who are not offering this service. The current DES rolls forward in 2010/11 and PCTs are asked to submit plans saying how they will make full use of the resources available for extended opening.
Document
PCTs are to continue to progress extended opening hours in GP practices, particularly for patients of practices who are not offering this service. The current DES rolls forward in 2010/11 and PCTs are asked to submit plans saying how they will make full use of the resources available for extended opening.
Document
6 January 2010
LOCAL AUTHORITY/GOVERNMENT
Use of Resources Good Practice and Case Studies (17th December 2009)
To help auditors and audited bodies identify good practice, the Audit Commission have published some case studies from the 2008/09 auditors' use of resources work.
Case Studies
To help auditors and audited bodies identify good practice, the Audit Commission have published some case studies from the 2008/09 auditors' use of resources work.
Case Studies
Leading Together Better (29th December 2009)
During the summer of 2009, the IDeA’s Healthy Communities programme sponsored a research project by Shared Intelligence. This explored the nature of partnership working between directors of public health, adults’ services and children’s services. The project arose after the first joint conference between the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH), Association of Directors of Adults Social Services (ADASS) and Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS). The conference report reveals well-established partnership relationships between all three directors.
The IDeA has distributed the report to local authorities and primary care trusts (PCTs). It hopes that this will stimulate local discussion on the nature of partnership working for health and wellbeing and how it can be improved.
Document
During the summer of 2009, the IDeA’s Healthy Communities programme sponsored a research project by Shared Intelligence. This explored the nature of partnership working between directors of public health, adults’ services and children’s services. The project arose after the first joint conference between the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH), Association of Directors of Adults Social Services (ADASS) and Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS). The conference report reveals well-established partnership relationships between all three directors.
The IDeA has distributed the report to local authorities and primary care trusts (PCTs). It hopes that this will stimulate local discussion on the nature of partnership working for health and wellbeing and how it can be improved.
Document
PRIMARY CARE TRUSTS
Use of Resources Good Practice and Case Studies (17th December 2009)
To help auditors and audited bodies identify good practice, the Audit Commission have published some case studies from the 2008/09 auditors' use of resources work.
Case Studies
To help auditors and audited bodies identify good practice, the Audit Commission have published some case studies from the 2008/09 auditors' use of resources work.
Case Studies
An overview of the new arrangements under Park IX of the Drug Tariff for the provision of stoma and urology appliances, and related services in primary care (22nd December 2009)
The Department of Health have published guidance on the new arrangements, as announced in April 2009 following the Part IX Review for the NHS supply of certain appliances in primary care require changes to the NHS Pharmaceutical Service Regulations, Directions and amendments to the Drug Tariff.
The new regulations will come into effect on 1st April 2010 and a transitional period of nine months from 1 April 2010 gives pharmacies and appliance contractors sufficient time to ensure they are able to comply with the new terms of service by 31 December 2010.
Guidance
The Department of Health have published guidance on the new arrangements, as announced in April 2009 following the Part IX Review for the NHS supply of certain appliances in primary care require changes to the NHS Pharmaceutical Service Regulations, Directions and amendments to the Drug Tariff.
The new regulations will come into effect on 1st April 2010 and a transitional period of nine months from 1 April 2010 gives pharmacies and appliance contractors sufficient time to ensure they are able to comply with the new terms of service by 31 December 2010.
Guidance
Out of hours training for GP registrars (17th December 2009)
Letter to PCTs Chief Executives regarding their responsibility to commission increased GP Out of Hours training.
Letter
Letter to PCTs Chief Executives regarding their responsibility to commission increased GP Out of Hours training.
Letter
25 November 2009
FINANCE
More for less: Are productivity and efficiency improving in the NHS? (12th November 2009)
This analytical briefing looks at how NHS money has been spent, whether primary care trusts have been successful in keeping more patients out of hospital, and whether hospitals have become more efficient. It highlights that the NHS is treating more patients at lower cost and trusts are starting to meet the challenges of the future. It suggests NHS trusts are increasing productivity and reducing unit costs. But overall, there is no sign yet that primary care trusts have been successful in moving care from hospitals closer to patients' homes.
Summary
Full Report
This analytical briefing looks at how NHS money has been spent, whether primary care trusts have been successful in keeping more patients out of hospital, and whether hospitals have become more efficient. It highlights that the NHS is treating more patients at lower cost and trusts are starting to meet the challenges of the future. It suggests NHS trusts are increasing productivity and reducing unit costs. But overall, there is no sign yet that primary care trusts have been successful in moving care from hospitals closer to patients' homes.
Summary
Full Report
Auditors' Local Evaluation (ALE) 2009/10 (11th November 2009)
The supporting documentation for the Auditors' Local Evaluation (ALE) 2009/10 is now available from the Audit Commission website. This includes the overview and the key lines of enquiry (KLOE) and guidance.
Documents
The supporting documentation for the Auditors' Local Evaluation (ALE) 2009/10 is now available from the Audit Commission website. This includes the overview and the key lines of enquiry (KLOE) and guidance.
Documents
MENTAL HEALTH
EVENT: Service line reporting and management in mental health (4th November 2009)
The presentations from this event that was held at the Congress Centre, London for mental health foundation trusts are now available to download from the Audit Commission.
Presentations
The presentations from this event that was held at the Congress Centre, London for mental health foundation trusts are now available to download from the Audit Commission.
Presentations
Report on the prescribing of anti-psychotic drugs to people with dementia (12th November 2009)
In recognition of widespread concern about the over-prescription of anti-psychotic drugs, and as part of the priority being given to improving care for people with dementia, Professor Sube Banerjee was asked to undertake an independent clinical review of the use of anti-psychotic drugs. Professor Banerjee has completed his review and the Government has issued its response to his findings.
Report
In recognition of widespread concern about the over-prescription of anti-psychotic drugs, and as part of the priority being given to improving care for people with dementia, Professor Sube Banerjee was asked to undertake an independent clinical review of the use of anti-psychotic drugs. Professor Banerjee has completed his review and the Government has issued its response to his findings.
Report
Counting the Cost: caring for people with dementia on hospital wards (17th November 2009)
This new report from Alzheimer's Society's reveals unacceptable variations in the quality of care for people with dementia in hospital.
It reveals people with dementia often spend longer in hospital than other people without the condition receiving the same treatment and nursing staff are ill-equipped to provide the specialist dementia care that they need.
Report
This new report from Alzheimer's Society's reveals unacceptable variations in the quality of care for people with dementia in hospital.
It reveals people with dementia often spend longer in hospital than other people without the condition receiving the same treatment and nursing staff are ill-equipped to provide the specialist dementia care that they need.
Report
The Chance of a Lifetime - Preventing early conduct problems and reducing crime (23rd November 2009)
The most common childhood mental health difficulties are conduct problems. A very high proportion of those who have the most serious conduct problems during childhood will go on to become involved in criminal activity. Overall, we estimate that around 80% of all criminal activity is attributable to people who had conduct problems in childhood and adolescence.
This paper examines the links between early conduct problems and subsequent offending. It makes the case for greatly increased investment in evidence-based programmes to reduce the prevalence and severity of conduct problems in childhood. It shows that, in addition to improvements in the quality of life for many individuals and their families, the potential long-term benefits to society as a whole are enormous, particularly in terms of crime prevention.
Paper
The most common childhood mental health difficulties are conduct problems. A very high proportion of those who have the most serious conduct problems during childhood will go on to become involved in criminal activity. Overall, we estimate that around 80% of all criminal activity is attributable to people who had conduct problems in childhood and adolescence.
This paper examines the links between early conduct problems and subsequent offending. It makes the case for greatly increased investment in evidence-based programmes to reduce the prevalence and severity of conduct problems in childhood. It shows that, in addition to improvements in the quality of life for many individuals and their families, the potential long-term benefits to society as a whole are enormous, particularly in terms of crime prevention.
Paper
Getting to a good place: partnership working for mental health patients (16th November 2009)
This Briefing explores how ambulance services and mental health services can work together to provide the best care for patients with mental health problems.
It sets out the key findings from a joint Ambulance Service Network and Mental Health Network project that looked at the challenges and opportunities for partnership working, including developing alternative care pathways for patients with mental health problems, improving training on mental heath issues for frontline ambulance staff,and encouraging the sharing of information.
Please note that you will need to register with the NHS Confederation website to access this.
Briefing
This Briefing explores how ambulance services and mental health services can work together to provide the best care for patients with mental health problems.
It sets out the key findings from a joint Ambulance Service Network and Mental Health Network project that looked at the challenges and opportunities for partnership working, including developing alternative care pathways for patients with mental health problems, improving training on mental heath issues for frontline ambulance staff,and encouraging the sharing of information.
Please note that you will need to register with the NHS Confederation website to access this.
Briefing
Mental health and the economic downturn (12th November 2009)
In September 2009 a one-day meeting on mental health and the economic downturn was held in London. The meeting was convened by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Mental Health Network, the NHS Confederation and the London School of Economics and Political Science. The meeting explored the impact the downturn was having on mental health as well as where some of the solutions may lie for those working at a local and national level in service provision and policy.
This briefing builds on the outcomes of that meeting. It outlines the challenges facing the sector and sets out how policy makers, organisational leaders and health and social care professionals should respond.
Briefing
In September 2009 a one-day meeting on mental health and the economic downturn was held in London. The meeting was convened by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Mental Health Network, the NHS Confederation and the London School of Economics and Political Science. The meeting explored the impact the downturn was having on mental health as well as where some of the solutions may lie for those working at a local and national level in service provision and policy.
This briefing builds on the outcomes of that meeting. It outlines the challenges facing the sector and sets out how policy makers, organisational leaders and health and social care professionals should respond.
Briefing
11 November 2009
FINANCE
Means to an end. Joint financing across health and social care (29th October 2009)
This report reviews the joint financing and integrated care arrangements between NHS bodies and councils with adult social care responsibilities. It builds on our previous publication, Clarifying joint financing arrangements, that explained the practical implications and legislative framework for joint financing.
It considers how these arrangements are used, focusing on learning disability, mental health and older people - areas where service users most often need health and social care.
The report's recommendations and examples of notable practice aim to help national and local bodies better understand the options available, how to use them and to achieve better outcomes for service users.
Report
This report reviews the joint financing and integrated care arrangements between NHS bodies and councils with adult social care responsibilities. It builds on our previous publication, Clarifying joint financing arrangements, that explained the practical implications and legislative framework for joint financing.
It considers how these arrangements are used, focusing on learning disability, mental health and older people - areas where service users most often need health and social care.
The report's recommendations and examples of notable practice aim to help national and local bodies better understand the options available, how to use them and to achieve better outcomes for service users.
Report
NHS
Comprehensive Area Assessment. A guide for the NHS (31 October 2009)
Comprehensive Area Assessment, or CAA, is a new way of assessing local public services in England. It examines how well councils and other public bodies work together to meet the needs of the people they serve.
Guide
Comprehensive Area Assessment, or CAA, is a new way of assessing local public services in England. It examines how well councils and other public bodies work together to meet the needs of the people they serve.
Guide
Delivering Same-Sex Accommodation (DSSA): principles (28th October 2009)
Seventeen principles have been developed to ensure each organisation delivers the highest standards of privacy and dignity within all areas of a hospital, other trusts and providers. The principles support existing DSSA policy and guidance and aim to further clarify DSSA clinical definitions amongst leaders and staff within the NHS. It is intended for the principles to be used in conjunction with other guidance to drive forward improvement and ensure sustainability within each organisation.
Guidance
Seventeen principles have been developed to ensure each organisation delivers the highest standards of privacy and dignity within all areas of a hospital, other trusts and providers. The principles support existing DSSA policy and guidance and aim to further clarify DSSA clinical definitions amongst leaders and staff within the NHS. It is intended for the principles to be used in conjunction with other guidance to drive forward improvement and ensure sustainability within each organisation.
Guidance
Deaths in Acute Hospitals: Caring to the End? (5th November 2009)
This report, from National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) highlights the process of care of patients who died in acute hospitals within four days of admission. It takes a critical look at areas where the care of patients might have been improved. Remediable factors have been identified in the clinical and the organisational care of these patients.
Report
This report, from National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) highlights the process of care of patients who died in acute hospitals within four days of admission. It takes a critical look at areas where the care of patients might have been improved. Remediable factors have been identified in the clinical and the organisational care of these patients.
Report
The Human Factor (4th November 2009)
The National Health Service (NHS) needs to save £15 billion to £20 billion over the next few years. This paper argues that these savings could be achieved through radical patient-centred service redesign and more effective approaches to public behaviour change. However, these approaches are difficult to develop within the existing health service.
Paper
The National Health Service (NHS) needs to save £15 billion to £20 billion over the next few years. This paper argues that these savings could be achieved through radical patient-centred service redesign and more effective approaches to public behaviour change. However, these approaches are difficult to develop within the existing health service.
Paper
PUBLIC SERVICES
Nothing but the truth? A discussion paper (5th November 2009)
The high-profile failure of public authorities to both safeguard Baby Peter in Haringey, and prevent the high number of deaths in Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, has directed attention to the accuracy and reliability of the data underpinning local service delivery.
This paper sets out important issues as the basis for discussion on how to ensure data about local public services is fit for purpose. It asks if citizens, along with frontline staff, managers, politicians, central government and local public service regulators, can have confidence in the data they rely on. And if not, what needs to be done about it?
Paper
The high-profile failure of public authorities to both safeguard Baby Peter in Haringey, and prevent the high number of deaths in Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, has directed attention to the accuracy and reliability of the data underpinning local service delivery.
This paper sets out important issues as the basis for discussion on how to ensure data about local public services is fit for purpose. It asks if citizens, along with frontline staff, managers, politicians, central government and local public service regulators, can have confidence in the data they rely on. And if not, what needs to be done about it?
Paper
28 October 2009
CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Children's trusts: A briefing paper on improving financial management (23rd October 2009)
Jointly produced by the Audit Commission and CIPFA, 'Children's trusts' provides practical guidance on improving financial management in children's trusts. The document supports the Audit Commissions national report 'Are we there yet?', presenting the findings of research into the progress local councils and their partners are making in developing children's trusts.
Paper
Jointly produced by the Audit Commission and CIPFA, 'Children's trusts' provides practical guidance on improving financial management in children's trusts. The document supports the Audit Commissions national report 'Are we there yet?', presenting the findings of research into the progress local councils and their partners are making in developing children's trusts.
Paper
14 October 2009
FINANCE
Auditors' Local Evaluation and Use of Resources 2008/09 (1st October 2009)
Each year, the Audit Commission assesses how well NHS trusts and primary care trusts manage their resources and deliver value for money. For 2008/09, these assessments have been based on the Auditors' Local Evaluation (ALE) for NHS trusts and Use of Resources (UoR) for primary care trusts. We have published a national report outlining the scores and how they should be viewed in the context of the overall financial performance of the NHS in 2008/09, which is one of a continued improvement in financial stability. NHS foundation trusts are assessed by Monitor.Auditors make assessments in a number of themes using key lines of enquiry. There are five themes for ALE and three themes for UoR:
ALE
- financial reporting
- financial management
- financial standing
- internal control
- value for money
UoR
- managing finances
- governing the business
- managing resources
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
