Addressing Health Inequalities. A guide for general practitioners (October 2008)
The RCGP Health Inequalities Standing Group has launched Addressing Health Inequalities: a guide for general practitioners, a booklet which offers evidence-based examples of how GPs can positively influence health inequalities amongst their local population as practitioners, commissioners and community leaders.
Guide
Review of health and social care burdens (3rd October 2008)
On 4 September 2008, the Lifting the Burdens Task Force, an independent body established by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, published their review of health and social care burdens. The review considered the burdens placed on local government as a result of its relationship with the Department of Health, and made a number of recommendations to address issues raised. The Department's formal response to that review has now been published.
Letter
Department of Health commentary on Task Force recommendations
Lifting the Burdens Task Force report and recommendations
Feeding back? Learning from complaints handling in health and social care (10th October 2008)
A report out today by the National Audit Office found that navigating complaints systems is not straightforward, particularly for health service users, and handling some complaints takes too long. There is little sharing of lessons from complaints or evidence that services are improving as a result. Some 133,600 NHS and 17,100 social care complaints were received in 2006–07. In a representative survey of adults in England, around one in seven people using NHS and social care services in the past three years have in some way been dissatisfied with their experience. But only five per cent of those who were dissatisfied with the NHS and 32 per cent who were dissatisfied with social care went on to make a formal complaint.
Report
Summary
Results of omnibus survey of health and social care service users
International review of complaints handling in health and social care
Emissions from compact fluorescent lights (9th October 2008)
New research by the Health Protection Agency has shown that some energy saving compact fluorescent lights can emit ultraviolet radiation at levels that, under certain conditions of use, can result in exposures higher than guideline levels. The Agency and Government Departments are calling on the European Union, relevant product standards bodies and the lighting industry to consider how product standards for lights can be tightened up.
Information
Human Rights in Healthcare - a Framework for Local Action (7th October 2008)
The Department of Health, the British Institute of Human Rights and 5 NHS Trusts have worked in conjunction to produce this framework to assist NHS trusts to develop and apply human rights based approaches (HRBAs) in their organisations to improve service design and delivery.
Short introduction Framework
Human Rights in Healthcare project - final evaluation report 2008 (7th October 2008)
In November 2007 Ipsos MORI was commissioned to conduct an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of human rights based approaches in the five NHS organisations participating in the Human Rights in Healthcare project. Ipsos MORI published the results of the evaluation in July 2008.
Report
Making a difference: supported lodgings as a housing option for young people (1st October 2008)
Local authorities and their partners are making considerable inroads into the task of meeting the Government's target of eliminating the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for 16 and 17 year olds, except in an emergency and then for no more than six weeks. By 30 June 2008 the number staying in bed and breakfast had fallen from approximately 1,000 in September 2006 to 420, 160 of whom had been placed for more than six weeks. Supported lodgings services have played an important role in this in some areas, and Communities and Local Government has supported a number of new services in 2007-08. The aim of this guide is to inform and support local authorities' planning and commissioning of supported lodgings within the context of strategies to tackle youth homelessness. It is based on a review of supported lodgings services in 17 local authority areas in England, and of data collected through the Supporting People programme.
Guide
Out of the shadows? A review of the responses to recommendations made in “Pushed into the Shadows: young people’s experience of adult mental health facilities” (October 2008)
Primary care trusts and mental health trusts have some way to go if they are to meet the Government’s target to ensure no children or young people are inappropriately placed on adult mental health wards by 2010, the Children’s Commissioner for England today says today. Out Of The Shadows?, a joint report from 11 MILLION, led by the Children’s Commissioner for England, YoungMinds and Very Important Kids (VIK), says that although some authorities are making good progress, others still have some way to go. The report follows on from 11 MILLION’s report of January 2007, Pushed Into The Shadows, which outlined the appalling treatment many children and young people with mental health problems have had to endure when placed on adult mental health wards.
Report
Policies and Practices for mental health in Europe (10th October 2008)
This report, published by World Health Organisation, provides data not hitherto available on mental health policy and practice across the European Region. It also highlights important information gaps. Policies and practices for mental health in Europe allows for country to country comparisons on indicators such as numbers of psychiatrists, financing, community services, training of workforce, prescription of anti-depressants and representation of users and carers. Data for the 42 Member States involved was obtained from ministries of health.
Report
Fact Sheet
Briefing document
Key Points
PowerPoint presentation
How should services meet the needs of people with Down Syndrome who develop dementia? (October 2008)
People with Down syndrome are living longer. They also develop dementia, particularly Alzheimers, much earlier than others. As a result there is a growing need to promote appropriate assessment and care planning, and to ensure that housing and support services recognise and respond to the particular needs of those individuals with Down Syndrome who are living with dementia.
Publication
Auditors’ Local Evaluation 2007/08. Summary results for NHS trusts and primary care trusts (2nd October 2008)
The Auditors' Local Evaluation (ALE) assesses how well primary care trusts (PCTs) and NHS trusts manage and obtain value for money from their financial resources. ALE was introduced in 2005/06 and the overall picture is one of significant improvement over the three years assessed.
Briefing
Summary
Preparations for Winter (9th October 2008)
This letter from Lyn Simpson, Director of NHS Operations, outlines the Department of Health's expectations about preparations for winter, information reporting and communications and encloses a good practice guide on timely handover of patient care produced by NHS South West based on their learning and experience.
Letter
Good Practice Guide
Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme: Instructions and guidance for the NHS (10th October 2008)
This document provides information and guidance to NHS organisations on the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS), which replaces the current Hospital Travel Costs Scheme.
Document
Low back pain: consultation on the draft guideline (1st October 2008)
A clinical practice guideline on Low Back Pain 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. The full version describes the evidence and views that have been considered, and sets out the provisional recommendations that have been developed. The (NICE) short version presents the provisional recommendations only with some brief supporting information. Closing date for comments is 26th November 2008.
Draft full guideline
Full guideline appendices (A-F)
Draft NICE guideline
Consultation comments proforma
The revised NICE public health process and methods manuals: consultation on the 2008 drafts (1st October 2008)
The Centre for Public Health Excellence (CPHE) at NICE has carried out a review of the 'Process' and 'Methods' manuals for public health guidance. These documents describe the process and methods for developing public health intervention and programme guidance of NICE. Closing date for comments is 2nd January 2009.
CPHE Methods Manual
CPHE Process Manual
Methods Manual Comments Proforma
Process Manual Comments Proforma
Contraceptive services for socially disadvantaged young people: consultation on the draft scope (13th October 2008)
NICE was asked by the Department of Health to develop guidance on the provision of contraceptive services in appropriate settings for socially disadvantaged young people (up to the age of twenty five). All registered stakeholders for the above public health programme guidance are invited to comment on the draft scope. Closing date for comments is 10th November 2008.
Draft scope
Comments Form
Chronic heart failure (Partial update): draft scope consultation (13th October 2008)
NICE have been asked to develop a clinical practice guideline on Chronic heart failure (partial update) for use in the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The draft scope defines what aspects of care the guideline will cover and to whom it will apply. Registered stakeholders for this guideline are invited to submit comments on the scope and may suggest clinical questions that could be answered in the guideline. Closing date for comments is 14th November 2008.
Draft scope
Comments Form
Breast cancer (advanced or metastatic) - lapatinib (appraisal consultation 2) (14th October 2008)
The Department of Health has asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE or the Institute) to conduct a single technology appraisal (STA) of lapatinib (in combination with capecitabine) and provide guidance on its use to the NHS in England and Wales. The Appraisal Committee met to consider both the evidence submitted by the manufacturer 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 lapatinib. Closing date for comments is 4th November 2008.
Consultation
Evaluation report
Diarrhoea and vomiting in children under 5: consultation on the draft guideline (14th October 2008)
A clinical practice guideline on Diarrhoea and vomiting in children 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. The full version describes the evidence and views that have been considered, and sets out the provisional recommendations that have been developed. The (NICE) short version presents the provisional recommendations only with some brief supporting information. Closing date for comments is 8th December 2008.
Full version
Appendices to full version
NICE version
Comments proforma
Latest implementation tools (8th October 2008)
Stroke
Audit Support
Identifying and supporting people most a risk of dying prematurely
Costing Statement
Slide Set
IPG274 Autologous pancreatic islet cell transplantation for improved glycaemic control after pancreatectomy
Audit Support
Influenza (prophylaxis) - amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir
Cost Template
Audit Support
CG69 Respiratory tract infections
Audit Support
Induction of labour
Audit Support
CG73 Chronic kidney disease
Costing Template
Slide Set
Venous thromboembolism - dabigatran
Costing Statement
Audit Support
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Costing Template
Slide Set
Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: A toolkit for developing local strategies (6th October 2008)
This toolkit is to help PCTs and Local Authorities plan, coordinate and implement comprehensive strategies to prevent and manage overweight and obesity. It provides information and tools including useful statistics, practical initiatives, evidence of effectiveness, checklists, frameworks and examples of good practice. It is an update on the previous toolkit Lightening the Load: Tackling Overweight and Obesity: A toolkit for developing local strategies. There are new tools that provide a breakdown of the cost of obesity to every PCT. Other new tools include research from the upcoming Change4Life campaign that provides insight into families views on diet and activity.
Toolkit
Social and environmental interventions to reduce childhood obesity: a systematic map of reviews (October 2008)
This report describes a systematic map of existing research reviews relating to social and environmental interventions aimed at reducing or preventing obesity and overweight. Its focus is on research which has included children and young people.
Report
Summary
Pandemic flu guidance for environmental health practitioners (2nd October 2008)
This guidance explains how environmental health practitioners working in local authorities, health services or private sector settings, in the course of their daily work, can protect themselves, their colleagues and their families, and inform, advise and support others to prevent the spread of flu.
Guidance
Significant Event Audit (2nd October 2008)
The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has launched new guidance for general practice teams enabling them to learn from patient safety incidents and “near misses”. The new Significant Event Audit (SEA) guidance aims to improve the quality and safety of patient care in general practice.
A quick guide to conducting an SEA
SEA Guidance for Primary Care Teams
The Sixth Annual Report on Fuel Poverty (2nd October 2008)
This report presents the statistics for the numbers in fuel poverty across the UK for 2006, and provides an update on the actions taken across and outside Government to tackle fuel poverty. Also published for the first time as part of the report is a detailed statistical annex which provides comprehensive analysis of the 2006 figures and projects forward the position for fuel poverty in 2007 and 2008.
Report
Child poverty: the stats. Analysis of the latest poverty statistics (October 2008)
This briefing, from Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), examines the latest available income poverty and material deprivation data to show which groups of children experience poverty. It also looks at where policy has got to and what more is needed to tackle child poverty.
Briefing
The problems and needs of newly sentenced prisoners: results from a national survey (13th October 2008)
This report presents information derived from interviews conducted shortly after reception into prison with a representative sample of nearly 1,500 newly sentenced adult prisoners. It is the first report from a major longitudinal survey of prisoners – 'Surveying Prisoner Crime Reduction' – which has several aims, including the collection of data on the problems and needs of prisoners; the interventions they receive while in prison; and outcomes upon release. The national survey looks at issues such as physical and mental health problems; accommodation and employment pre-custody; qualifications; and drug and alcohol use. Data are presented on a number of sub-groups of prisoners, including female offenders, those serving short sentences and young offenders.
Report
Positive Practice Positive Outcomes: A handbook for professionals in the criminal justice system working with offenders with learning disabilities (8th October 2008)
This handbook provides guidance on supporting vulnerable people within the Criminal Justice System and is designed to be read by criminal justice professionals and others working with the Criminal Justice System, including Health and Social Care Professionals.
Handbook
Including diverse groups of children and young people in health promotion and public health research. A review of methodology and practice (30th September 2008)
The need for diversity in research is increasingly recognised by researchers, funders and other stakeholders. This report presents the findings of a methodological study on the inclusion of diverse groups of children and young people in health promotion (HP) and public health (PH) research.
Report
Summary
Beyond Smoking Kills (7th October 2008)
A new report published by Action on Smoking & Health (ASH) endorsed by the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) calls on the Government to introduce tough new measures to protect children and reduce inequalities. The report, Beyond ‘Smoking Kills’: protecting children, reducing inequalities, is a landmark publication reflecting on 10 years of progress since the launch of the first ever Government white paper on smoking and recommending a comprehensive plan for the next 10 years.
Report
Executive Summary
Why are fear and distrust spiralling in twenty-first century Britain? (9th October 2008)
The Joseph Rowntree Foundations (JRF’s) recent public consultation revealed a strong sense of unease about some of the changes shaping British society. This Viewpoint continues the discussion about modern ‘social evils’ on the theme of ‘distrusting and fearful society’. Anna Minton argues that the cause of growing fear and distrust is visible physical inequality and segregation in the environment, combined with a commercially driven media with a vested interest in promoting fear.
Publication
What and who is it we don’t trust? (9th October 2008)
The Joseph Rowntree Foundations (JRF’s) recent public consultation revealed a strong sense of unease about some of the changes shaping British society. This Viewpoint continues the discussion about modern ‘social evils’ on the theme of ‘distrusting and fearful society’. Shaun Bailey looks at relationships between individuals, the state and community, and the effects these relationships have on our daily lives that may lead us not to trust.
Publication
Taking the long term view: the Department of Health’s strategy for delivering sustainable development 2008-2011 (8th October 2008)
It is vital that the Department of Health commits to the issue of sustainable development for the long-term. The case for doing so is clear; they must ensure that by delivering better care and well-being for present generations, they are also ensuring that they are contributing to a strong and healthy society for generations of the future. This replaces “Delivering Sustainable Development DH Action Plan 2007/08”.
Document
World Health Report 2008 (14th October 2008)
The World Health Report 2008, launched today, critically assesses the way that health care is organized, financed, and delivered in rich and poor countries around the world. The WHO report documents a number of failures and shortcomings that have left the health status of different populations, both within and between countries, dangerously out of balance.
Full Report
Summary
Introduction & Overview
