SUBSTANCE MISUSE

Service Review – Assessment Framework for Substance Misuse Services 2007/08 (February 2008)
The National Treatment Agency and the Healthcare Commission have released the assessment framework for the 2007/8 substance misuse service review on diversity and tier 4 services.
Click here for the Framework

STATISTICS

National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) (21st February 2008)
Click here for the NCMP 2006/07 online database
Click here for the NCMP 2006/07 bulletin
Click here for the Tables

Quarterly Population Statistics, England and Wales – Q4 2007 (experimental statistics) (26th February 2008)
Click here for the Tables
Click here for the Commentary

Monthly Digest of Statistics (25th February 2008)

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The impact of the NHS R&D Strategy on Mental Health Services and Research in England – response document (22nd February 2008)
This document is the Government's response to a review of the impact of Best Research for Best Health on mental health research in England.
Click here for the Response to the recommendations

Click here for the Document

Click here for Appendix 2

Click here for Appendix 7

PUBLIC SERVICES

Managing financial resources to deliver better public services (20th February 2008)
Since 2003, government departments have improved the management of their finances. But stronger financial management is now more important than ever to ensure that every pound of public money is spent to best effect in an increasingly challenging financial environment. Central government manages more financial resources than ever before, and these are expected to grow to £678 billion a year by 2010-11 – some £11,000 for every person in the UK. But, many departments have tighter settlements under the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review than they had under previous spending rounds. Today’s report, a follow-up to the NAO’s 2003 report, looks at how capable departments are at managing their financial resources.
Click here for the Full Report
Click here for the Executive Summary
Click here for the Survey Results

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Improving Access to Psychological Therapies implementation plan: National guidelines for regional delivery (26th February 2008)
This document provides SHAs, PCTs, training providers and service providers with an overview of what is needed to deliver the implementation of IAPT. The additional funding from the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 will pay for the major training programme that provides the necessary number of suitably trained therapists and enables progressive expansion of NICE-compliant local Psychological Therapies services.
Click here for the National Guidelines for Regional Delivery

Click here for the Curriculum for high-intensity therapies workers

Click here for the Curriculum for low-intensity therapies workers

Click here for the Equality impact assessment

Click here for the Impact assessment

PAYMENT BY RESULTS

Code of conduct for Payment by Results (originally published 26th January – applicable from 1st April 2008)
The purpose of the Code of Conduct for Payment by Results (PbR) is to establish core principles, with some ground rules for organisational behaviour, and expectations as to how the system should operate, and to minimise disputes, as well as guide the resolution of them. PbR introduces a degree of transparency in NHS financial flows that is almost unprecedented. The new system challenges organisations to manage successfully in a dynamic environment and creates incentives for increasing productivity and making efficient use of resources. The Secretary of State requires compliance with this Code by all NHS Bodies operating PbR, including health authorities, NHS trusts and primary care trusts (PCTs).

Click here for the Code of Conduct

PATIENT SAFETY

Safe from Harm (February 2008)
How the Health Foundation's Safer Patients Initiative is reducing medical incidents in 24 hospitals and making healthcare safer for patients.

Click here for the Briefing

PARTNERSHIPS

A practical guide to integrated working (20th February 2008)
The Integrated Care Network recently launched a new publication at the joint ICN and NHS Networks event Making Partnerships Work in Health and Local Government, held on the 14th February 2008. The new 'Practical Guide to Integrated Working' outlines some of the central challenges experienced in local care economies, and also offers a new approach towards the true integration of health and care services.

Click here for the Publication

PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Communities and Local Government Committee – Refuse Collection: Waste Reduction Pilot – Sixth Report of Session 2007-08 (21st February 2008)

Health Committee – Work of the Committee 2007 – Second Report of Session 2007-08 (20th February 2008)

Committee of Public Accounts – Staying the course: the retention of students on higher educations courses – Tenth Report of Session 2007-08 (29th February 2008)

OBESITY

How to set and monitor goals for prevalence of child obesity: guidance for Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and local authorities (21st February 2008)
This guidance follows on from the publication of the Government’s obesity strategy Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: A Cross-Government strategy for England. The guidance provides advice to PCTs and local authorities on how to set child obesity goals as part of the Vital Signs and the National Indicator Set. This will be followed shortly with full guidance on developing local plans.
Click here for the Guidance

North West Child Height and Weight Measurement 2007 (21st February 2008)
This analysis of child overweight and obesity data has been produced by the North West Public Health Observatory on behalf of PCTs in the region in order to look at inequalities across deprivation quintiles and to produce Local Authority District measures of child obesity.
Click here for the Analysis

NURSING

Advanced nurse practitioners – an RCN guide to the advanced nurse practitioner role, competencies and programme accreditation (February 2008)
The nurse practitioner role is becoming more prevalent, with increasing numbers of nurse practitioners now working in secondary and tertiary care settings such as A&E departments, minor injury units, medical assessment units and within specialties such as paediatrics and oncology. The term advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) is increasingly being used in the UK to acknowledge the advanced level of the role, the scope of practice and its associated competencies. This revised publication is divided into three main sections and includes a definition of the ANP role, the RCN's revised domains and competencies for ANPs in the UK, and the standards which collaborating higher education institutions must meet for their ANP educational programmes to receive RCN accreditation.
Click here for the Document

NICE

Workplace Mental Health: Consultation on the evidence (21st February 2008)
NICE was asked by the Department of Health (DH) to develop guidance for employers on promoting mental wellbeing through productive and healthy working conditions. All registered stakeholders for the NICE public health intervention guidance on Workplace Mental Health are invited to comment on the draft summary of evidence to inform the development of the guidance. This is the evidence collated by NICE so far. This will be used by the Institute's public health intervention advisory committee (PHIAC) to develop its recommendations. Closing date for comments is 20th March 2008.
Click here for the Synopsis of the Evidence
Click here for the Comments Form

Anaemia (cancer-treatment induced) – erythropoietin (alpha and beta) and darbepoetin: final appraisal determination (25th February 2008)
After considering the feedback from consultation, the Appraisal Committee has prepared a Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) on Erythropoetin (alpha and beta) and darbepoetin for the treatment of cancer-treatment induced anaemia 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 7 March 2008.
Click here for the Final Appraisal Determination
Click here for the Consultee and commentator comments

Click here for the Response to consultee, commentator and public comments

Atypical psychosis (first onset) – neuro-imaging. Technical appraisal Guidance TA136 (27th February 2008)
Structural neuroimaging, using methods called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed axial tomography (CT) scanning, is not recommended for use routinely to examine all people who have had a first episode of psychosis.
Click here for the Guidance
Click here for the Quick Reference Guide
Click here for Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for the Costing Statement

Community Engagement. Public Health Programme Guidance PH009 (27th February 2008)
This guidance aims to support those working with and involving communities in decisions on health improvement that affect them. It is for people working in the NHS and other sectors who have a direct or indirect role in - and responsibility for - community engagement. This includes those working in local authorities and the community, voluntary and private sectors. It will also be of interest to members of the public.
Click here for the Guidance
Click here for the Quick Reference Guide

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) for mediastinal masses. Intervention Procedure Guidance IPG254 (27th February 2008)
This procedure can be used for patients who are being tested for various diseases, including lung cancer. Under local or general anaesthesia, a thin flexible telescope (bronchoscope) is inserted via the patient's mouth into the lungs. Images of the region between the two lungs (the mediastinum) are obtained using an ultrasound probe attached to the bronchoscope. The operator uses these images as a guide when taking samples of cells from masses suspected of disease. The aim of the procedure is to help reach a diagnosis and establish whether the disease has spread.
Click here for the Full Guidance
Click here for the Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for the Consultation Comments Table

Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Clinical Guideline CG61 (27th February 2008)
The advice in the NICE guideline covers the care of adults with irritable bowel syndrome, including: the support, treatment and advice people should be offered by their GP in diagnosing and helping to manage their irritable bowel syndrome; circumstances when people need to be referred to a specialist for further tests. It does not specifically look at: iirritable bowel syndrome in children and young people under 18 years; people with other gastrointestinal disorders such as non-ulcer dyspepsia (indigestion with no obvious cause) or coeliac disease.
Click here for NICE Guideline
Click here for Quick Reference Guide
Click here for the Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for the Costing Template
Click here for the Costing Report

Laparoscopic mobilisation of the greater omentum for breast reconstruction. Intervention Procedure Guidance IPG253 (27th February 2008)
Breast reconstruction surgery is carried out to try and restore the shape of the breast after surgery to remove part of or the whole breast. The omentum is a sheet of fat attached to the stomach, which can be moved to the breast cavity by tunnelling it under the skin (it stays attached to its original blood supply). In this procedure, the omentum is mobilised using 'keyhole' surgery.
Click here for the Guidance
Click here for the Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for the Consultee Comments Table

Laser-assisted non-occlusive cerebral vascular anastomosis without temporary arterial occlusion. Intervention Procedure Guidance IPG252 (27th February 2008)
Arteries in the head may need to be bypassed as part of an operation, usually because of 'ballooning' or blockage of arteries. Laser-assisted cerebral vascular anastomosis without temporary arterial occlusion aims to create a bypass without the need to temporarily interrupt the blood flow to the brain.
Click here for the Guidance
Click here for the Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for the Audit Criteria

Liposuction for chronic lymphoedema. Intervention Procedure Guidance IPG251 (27th February 2008)
Chronic lymphoedema is swelling of the limb caused by a defect in the lymphatic system. This may be a defect that the patient is born with or can result from surgical removal of the lymph glands, such as in surgery for breast cancer. The swelling results from accumulation of lymph fluid and it can cause cosmetic problems, discomfort, pain and limited movement. Liposuction for chronic lymphoedema involves the removal of subcutaneous adipose tissue and accumulated lymph fluid via several small incisions in the limb. After the procedure, the patient wears a compression garment permanently, which can be removed intermittently for short periods.
Click here for the Guidance
Click here for the Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for the Consultee Comments Table
Click here for the Audit Criteria

Lymphoma (follicular non-Hodgkin's) – rituximab. Technology Appraisal Guidance TA137 (27th February 2008)
This guidance replaces NICE technology appraisal guidance 37 issued in March 2002. The Institute reviews each piece of guidance it issues. The review and re-appraisal of the use of rituximab for the treatment of relapsed or refractory stage III or IV follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has resulted in a change in the guidance. In people with relapsed stage III or IV follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, rituximab is now an option in combination with chemotherapy to induce remission or alone as maintenance therapy during remission. Rituximab monotherapy is also an option for people with relapsed or refractory disease when all alternative treatment options have been exhausted.
Click here for the Guidance
Click here for the Quick Reference Guide
Click here for the Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for the Costing Template

Osteoarthritis. Clinical Guideline CG59 (27th February 2008)
The advice in the NICE guideline covers the treatment, advice and support that people who have osteoarthritis should be offered by their healthcare professional and when being referred to specialist care. This includes: diagnosis; education; exercise and physiotherapy; medicines; alternative therapies; surgery. It does not specifically look at the care and management of related conditions (for example, rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain).
Click here for the NICE Guideline
Click here for the Quick Reference Guide
Click here for the Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for the Costing Template
Click here for the Costing Report

Prostate Cancer. Clinical Guideline CG58 (27th February 2008)
This guideline covers the tests, treatment, care and support that men who have suspected or diagnosed prostate cancer should be offered. It does not specifically look at the care of men with rare cancers of the prostate (for example, small-cell carcinoma and rhabdomyosarcoma).
Click here for the Full Guidance
Click here for the NICE Guidance
Click here for the Quick Reference Guide
Click here for the Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for the Costing Template
Click here for the Costing Report

Smoking Cessation. Public Health Intervention Guidance PHI001 (27th February 2008)
The NICE public health intervention guidance on brief interventions and referral for smoking cessation in primary care and other settings guidance considers whether brief smoking cessation interventions are effective at encouraging individuals to quit smoking. The impact of wider policy and practice on smoking cessation will be the subject of future NICE programme guidance.
Click here for the Guidance
Click here for the Quick Reference Guide (Professionals)
Click here for the Quick Reference Guide (Public)
Click here for the Costing Template
Click here for the Costing Report
Click here for the Audit Criteria
Click here for the Implementation Advice

Surgical management of Otitis Media with Effusion (OME). Clinical Guideline CG60 (27th February 2008)
The advice in the NICE guideline covers: the surgical management of OME in children younger than 12 years; guidance for managing OME in children with Down's syndrome and in children with all types of cleft palate. It does not specifically look at the management of OME in: children with other syndromes (for example, craniofacial dysmorphism or polysaccharide storage disease); children with multiple complex needs.
Click here for the Full Guideline
Click here for the NICE Guideline
Click here for the Quick Reference Guide
Click here for the Search Strategies
Click here for the Excluded Studies
Click here for the Evidence Tables
Click here for the Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for the Costing Template
Click here for the Costing Report

NHS

An NHS Constitution for England (21st February 2008)
The government should have less say in the day-to-day running of the NHS in England, the BMA says today (Thursday 21 February, 2008). In the first of a series of discussion papers on NHS reform in England, the BMA proposes a formal constitution for the NHS, and with it greater independence from party politics. The paper argues that health professionals, in consultation with patients, should have much greater involvement in the management of the NHS.
Click here for the Discussion Paper

The Local Involvement Networks (Duty of Services-Providers to Allow Entry) Regulations 2008 (25th February 2008)
These regulations impose a duty on services-providers to allow authorised representatives of local involvement networks (LINks) to enter and view certain premises in certain circumstances and observe the carrying-on of certain activities on those premises.
Click here for the Explanatory Memorandum
Click here for the Regulations

MENTAL HEALTH

Government response to consultation on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Guidance on a nominated consultee for research (22nd February 2008)
This document is the report on the consultation on the Mental Capacity Act Nominated Consultee Guidance. It discusses the main points arising from the responses received and the Department's position on these issues.

Click here for the Document

INFORMATION

In the know (21st February 2008)
This paper, from the Audit Commission, aims to encourage people to think about the information they use whenever they make decisions. It has examples, drawn from many different sources, of how information has been used in improving public services. It also describes how the Commission is reviewing the way that information is generated, presented and used in making decisions.
Click here for the Summary

Click here for the Report

Click here for the Cranfield information use review

Click here for the INLOGOV information use review

HOUSING

Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods: A National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society (25th February 2008)
The ageing of the population will be one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century for housing. This strategy sets out the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) response to this challenge, their plan to create Lifetime Homes in Lifetime Neighbourhoods. It outlines the DCLG plans for making sure that there is enough appropriate housing available in future to relieve the forecasted unsustainable pressures on homes, health and social care services.
Click here for the Strategy

Impact Assessment of National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society: Advice and Information, Rapid Repairs Service (25th February 2008)
The national strategy for housing in an ageing society (the strategy) includes a number of key initiatives and recommendations, two of which are subject to, and included in, this impact assessment: new advice and information services; and a rapid repairs services.
Click here for the Impact Assessment

Housing Choices and Aspirations of Older People: Research from the New Horizon's Programme (25th February 2008)
This report was commissioned by Communities and Local Government as part of a larger project to support the development of the National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society. Researchers at the University of York undertook eight focus groups composed of 'younger' older people (aged 48-64), and 'older' old people (aged 65 and above) to explore the influences on participants' housing decisions, and their future housing intentions and aspirations.

Click here for the Report

HOMELESSNESS

Survey of Needs and Provision. Services for Homeless Single People and Couples in England (18th February 2008)
This research project, conducted by Homeless Link and Resource Information Service (RIS), and funded by the CLG and CRASH, brings together and makes publicly available data on single homeless people and couples in England from these two data sources for the first time and complements it by a survey of projects.
Click here for the Report
Click here for the Summary

GUIDANCE/GUIDELINES

Better Care: Better Lives (21st February 2008)
This document sets the future direction for children's palliative care services. It is a call to action to all those engaged in providing services – commissioners, service providers, voluntary sector partners – to improve data sources, to develop better needs assessments and support regimes, to tackle inequalities and encourage the delivery of care in the most appropriate setting, so improving the experiences of children and young people and their families.
Click here for the Document

Guidance on nominating a consultee for research involving adults who lack capacity to consent (22nd February 2008)
This guidance sets out how to identify an appropriate consultee for the purposes of section 32 of the Mental Capacity Act. The Act requires the researcher to take reasonable steps to identify a person who, as a result of an existing relationship with the person who lacks capacity, can advise the researcher about that person’s participation in the project. Where no such person can be identified, the Act requires another person who can provide this advice to be appointed in accordance with guidance.

Click here for the Guidance

DRUGS

Street policing of problem drug users (19th February 2008)
Street policing of problem drug users from the perspective of drug users and policing professionals. The study provides important insights into policing practices and draws out implications for policy development, ahead of the Government’s new drugs strategy which will be launched in 2008. The report: describes the organisation of street policing of problem drug users; examines the nature and purpose of street encounters between the police and drug users; analyses drug users’ experiences of policing; and considers the implications of street policing for drug users and local communities.
Click here for the Report
Click here for the Findings

DISABILITIES

Disabled Facilities Grant: The package of changes to modernise the programme (25th February 2008)
This document sets out the Government’s plans following the publication of the responses to the consultation paper, Disabled Facilities Grant Programme: The Government’s proposals to improve programme delivery. The response should be of interest to local authorities and organisations representing disabled and other people's interests.

Click here for the Document

CONSULTATIONS

Clinical Governance in Drug Treatment – A draft good practice guide for providers and commissioners (21st February 2008)
The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) has published a consultation draft of guidance on clinical governance in drug treatment. There are important issues about how clinical governance can work across complex drug treatment systems and how this can be helpful to drug treatment services and their commissioners. Closing date for comments is 14th May 2008.
Click here for the Document
Click here for the Response Proforma

Scope of Practice Consultation (February 2008)
The General Dental Council (GDC) has, through its Scope of Practice Working Group, been considering the scope of practice of all GDC registrants. The aim of this consultation is to clarify for patients and members of the dental team, what different dental professionals are, or are not, allowed to do. The consultation outlines the skills that dentists and other dental care professionals should have at the point of qualification as well as suggesting additional skills that each group could go on to achieve during their career. Closing date for comments is 9th May 2008.
Click here for the Consultation
Click here for the Response Form

COMMUNITY SAFETY

The Home Office: Reducing the risk of violent crime (21st February 2008)
Overall levels of violent crime have fallen by 9.0 per cent since 2002-03 and the number of serious violent offences recorded by the police has fallen by 5.9 per cent over the same period. The Home Office’s actions to encourage local areas to address domestic violence and alcohol related crime are likely to have made some contribution to this fall. However, the Home Office still needs to take further action to improve the delivery of funding to frontline practitioners, and also to articulate their long-term strategic approach to tackling violence. While levels of serious violence have fallen over recent years, they have done so at a slower rate than overall crime levels.
Click here for Full Report

Click here for the Executive Summary

Click here for Developing an Accident and Emergency Based Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership Performance Measure

Click here for Violent Crime: Risk models, effective interventions and risk management

Click here for the Census Questionnaire for Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships and Community Safety Partnerships

BULLETINS/NEWSLETTERS

Health Protection Report Vol. 2 No. 8 (22nd February 2008)

ALCOHOL

Alcohol Misuse: Tackling the UK epidemic (21st February 2008)
This report, from the BMA, considers the problematic levels of alcohol misuse in the UK and is not aimed at those who enjoy consuming alcohol in moderation. It examines the patterns and trends of alcohol consumption and goes on to review the range of adverse effects both on the individual and society that are associated with its misuse.
Click here for the Report

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Green, Healthy and Fair (18th February 2008)
This is a review of the Government's role in supporting sustainable supermarket food in the UK. It looks at the effectiveness of government policies towards the food system and supermarkets and the extent to which these policies are helping or hindering progress towards sustainable development.
Click here for the Review

SUBSTANCE MISUSE

Treatment Outcome Profile (TOP) (15th February 2008)
The rollout of the TOP by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse is supported by a range of products all of which are available to download.
Click here for the TOP Form

Click here for the TOP Form (low-ink version)

Click here for the TOP manager’s implementation guide

Click here for the TOP keyworker’s guide

Click here for the TOP service user’s guide

Click here for the TOP training pack – presentation

Click here for the TOP training pack – manual

Click here for the NDTMS practice guide

Click here for the TOP calendar

Click here for the TOP poster

Click here for the TOP progress tracker

Click here for the TOP tracker guidance

STATISTICS

Accident and Emergency attendances: Total time spent in A & E from arrival to admission, discharge or transfer; and waiting for emergency admission through A & E, quarter ending December 2007 (15th February 2008)

SMOKING/TOBACCO

NHS Stop Smoking Services: service and monitoring guidance, 2007/08 (Published 18th October 2007, revised 10th February 2008, new to website 18th February 2008)
This updated guidance is intended for everyone involved in managing, commissioning or delivering NHS stop smoking services. It has been developed by means of a collaboration with representatives from SHAs, PCTs, the Information Centre and academics from the field of smoking cessation.
Click here for the Guidance

PHARMACY

“Yellow Card” Scheme (18th February 2008)
A six week campaign has been launched to get members of the public to report any side-effects they experience after taking medicines. The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA) wants pharmacists to promote and make better use of the "Yellow Card" scheme.
Click here for the Press release
Click here for the Website

PATIENT AND PUBLIC INFORMATION

Weaning – Starting Solid Food (February 2008)
The Department of Health and the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative have published a new leaflet for parents on the introduction of solid food to babies. Called Weaning – Starting solid food, the leaflet is intended to be used as a teaching aid when health professionals are discussing safe and appropriate weaning practices with parents. Printed copies can be ordered free of charge via the Department of Health website, or by telephoning Prologue on 08701 555455, quoting reference 278957.
Click here for the Leaflet

PARTNERSHIPS

Making Partnerships Work in Health and Local Government Presentations (15th February 2008)
The presentations from the keynote speakers and the workshops from this event held on 14th February are now available to download.
Click here for the Presentations

NICE

Occupational therapy and physical activity interventions to promote the mental wellbeing of older people in primary care and residential care: consultation on the draft guidance (14th February 2008)
Consultation on the draft guidance on Occupational therapy and physical activity interventions to promote the mental wellbeing of older people in primary care and residential care. This consultation will take place between Thursday 14 February - Thursday 13 March 2008.
Click here for the Consultation
Click here for the Comments Form

Latest implementation tools (February 2008)

Mesothelioma – pemetrexed disodium Psoriasis – infliximab
Click here for the Costing Statement
Click here for the Audit Support
Click here for the Audit Support (Criteria)

Physical activity and environment
Click here for the Costing tool

Arteriovenous extracorporeal membrane carbon dioxide removal (AV-ECCO2R)
Click here for the Audit Support

NHS

The right result? Payment by Results 2003-07 (14th February 2008)
This report examines the NHS's experience with Payment by Results (PbR) since it was introduced. It builds on the Audit Commission’s previous two publications on the subject, by drawing on recent experience, looking at how PbR has affected the NHS and in turn how the NHS has responded. In addition, the Audit Commission consider the future direction of PbR and the challenges to the NHS over the period to 2010/11, based on the Department of Health's recent consultation.
Click here for the Summary
Click here for the Report

The Clinical Learning Environment and Recruitment – Report of a Joint Working Party (Published January 2008 new to website February 2008)
This report, by the RCOG and RCM, provides an insight into both positive and negative experiences of medical students and student midwives. It highlights the key issues emerging from their experiences and recommends strategies to improve the clinical learning environment. It includes best practice examples to encourage similar initiatives and to promote a positive learning experience, which will enhance skills, knowledge acquisition and enthusiasm in career development.
Click here for the Report

The development and implementation of NHS Treatment Centres as an organisational innovation (February 2008)
A research summary presenting overview of how organisational and social factors influence the development and delivery of innovative models of health care.
Click here for the Summary
Click here for the Full Report

National Evaluation of Payment by Results (published November 2007 new to website February 2008)
This report, published by the Health Economics Research Unit (HERU) at the University of Aberdeen, was commissioned by the DH to evaluate the process and effects of the introduction of Payment by Results.
Click here for the Report

NHS Reform: National mantra, not local reality (February 2008)
A new report, argues that while the Government’s commitment to NHS reform is right, it is in denial about its progress on the ground. The report, published by the independent think tank Reform, shows that reform is the only way to unlock the value of the NHS budget but the Government’s programmes remain embryonic, and in some cases in full retreat. The solution is an economic constitution which defines duties to create value at all levels of the service. Such a constitution should be the central conclusion of the Government’s current landmark NHS review.

Click here for the Report

MENTAL HEALTH

ARTICLE – Suicide rates in young men in England and Wales in the 21st century: time trend study (18th February 2008)
Since the 1990s, rates of suicide in young men have declined steadily and by 2005 they were at their lowest level for almost 30 years. This decline is partly because of a reduction in poisoning with car exhaust gas as an increased number of cars have catalytic converters; but there have been declines in suicides from all common methods, including hanging, suggesting a more pervasive effect. Other risk factors for suicide, such as unemployment and divorce, have also decreased.
Click here for the Article

Mental health and ill health in doctors (20th February 2008)
This report looks at mental health and ill health in doctors and the factors that influence them. It outlines ways in which the NHS can provide appropriate services and encourage doctors and other health care workers to seek early advice and support for mental health problems.
Click here for the report

MAP OF MEDICINE

North West Strategic Health Authority Map of Medicine launch event presentations (February 2008)
The presentations from this event that was held on 13th December 2007 are now available to download.

Click here for Map of Medicine – from planning to practice

Click here for Map of Medicine in Clinician/Patient Consultation

Click here for Map of Medicine in Western Cheshire

Click here for Map of Medicine and Commissioning

Click here for Map of Medicine – rollout across the NHS North West

LOCAL AUTHORITY/GOVERNMENT

Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council – corporate assessment (19th February 2008)
Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council is performing well according to an independent report released today by the Audit Commission.
Click here for the Report

Liverpool City Council – corporate assessment (19th February 2008)
Liverpool City Council is currently performing adequately with some good achievements but further improvement is at risk, according to a new report published today by the Audit Commission.
Click here for the Report

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Pandemic Flu: Workplace guidance – February 2008 (15th February 2008)
This guidance, from the Health and Safety Executive, is for employers and employees to use if the Chief Medical Officer declares an influenza pandemic within the UK.
Click here for the Guidance

Needlestick injuries (18th February 2008)
The main group of workers at risk from needlestick injuries are those within the healthcare sector, but injuries also occur in other fields of work. Workers may acquire a blood-borne infection if they are exposed to infected blood or body fluids. Where the skin is punctured or scratched by a needle or sharp device that has been used in a medical procedure this is commonly referred to as a needlestick or sharps injury.
Click here for the Information

GUIDANCE/GUIDELINES

Genitourinary Medicine 48 hour access: getting to target and staying there (19th February 2008)
This good practice guide provides primary care trusts (PCTs) with a number of key recommendations to help support clinics to reach the Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) 48-hour access target by March 2008, reduce the gap between offered and seen and maintain that level of access. These measures build on the 10 High Impact Changes for Genitourinary Medicine 48-hour Access (HIC)1 published by the Department of Health (DH) in December 2006. It should be used in conjunction with the HIC where PCT commissioners and their providers have considered and implemented, as appropriate, changes but are still looking to improve services.
Click here for the Good Practice Guide

Copying Letters to Patients (Revised January 2008 new to website 15th February 2008)
This guidance for Geriatricians on copying letters to patients, comes from the British Geriatric Society.
Click here for the Guidance

GENERAL PRACTICE

The RCGP and Lord Darzi’s review of the NHS – ‘1. Polyclinics’ (January 2008)
This is the first in an occasional series of factsheets produced by the Royal College of General Practitioners on important issues affecting general practice.
Click here for the Factsheet

The RCGP and Lord Darzi’s review of the NHS – ‘2. Cost-effectiveness of quality patient care’ (February 2008)
The second in a series of factsheets produced by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) on Lord Darzi’s review of the NHS.
Click here for the Factsheet

ELDERLY/OLDER PEOPLE

Out of sight, out of mind. Social exclusion behind closed doors (15th February 2008)
Over a million older people – including one in five people over 802 – are shut out from society and ignored by government policy, according to a new report by Age Concern. The charity is warning that severe exclusion among older people is a significant and pressing problem that will not disappear without urgent government action.
Click here for the Document

DISEASES AND DISORDERS

National Infarct Angioplasty Project (NIAP) interim report (18th February 2008)
NIAP is a feasibility study looking at how far primary angioplasty can be rolled out as the main treatment for heart attack in place of clot-busting drugs. This interim report covers findings based on the first year of data from seven pilots and is being published for information.
Click here for the Covering letter
Click here for the Report

The Coronary Heart Disease National Service Framework: Building for the future – progress report for 2007 (18th February 2008)
This progress report is published to mark the seventh anniversary of the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease and the nearing completion of the capital programme.
Click here for the Progress Report

Focus on: Preparing for End Stage Renal Disease (18th February 2008)
This document reports the findings of a project conducted by the Delivering Quality and Value team over the past year. The aim of the project is to answer the question, 'What are the aspects of an efficient clinical pathway from diagnosis to end safe renal failure to assessment ad addition to the transplant list?' by focusing on one aspect of renal services; the year leading up to renal replacement therapy. To access the document free registration is required.
Click here for the Document

DISABILITIES

Aiming High for Disabled Children: Draft core offer standards paper (14th February 2008)
This letter invites views on a draft paper which explains the background of the 'core offer' for disabled children and their families, a commitment made by the Government in Aiming High for Disabled Children, published in May 2007. The core offer aims to set out clearly, and in one place, a national statement of expectations for how disabled children and their parents will be informed and involved as their needs are assessed and the necessary services provided.
Click here for the Paper

DIET/NUTRITION

Infant Feeding Survey 2005: A commentary on infant feeding practices in the UK (published 15th February 2008)
The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) have published their review of the findings from the Infant Feeding Survey 2005. This report highlights implications for policy and recommends options for improving infant feeding practices in the UK.
Click here for the Report

DENTAL

Dental Commissioning and Contract Monitoring – Tendering, Procurement & Contracting (February 2008)
This briefing note sets out some of the key lessons learned by a number of PCTs that have undertaken procurement exercises for NHS dental services.
Click here for the Briefing Note

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Saving Lives. Reducing Harm. Protecting the Public. An Action Plan for Tackling Violence 2008-2011 (18th February 2008)
This document is designed to guide local practitioners in their strategic planning and delivery of the Home Office's priorities with respect to serious violence over the next three years. It takes stock of the current situation and what has been achieved to date, and sets out the vision: to save lives, reduce harm and protect the public. It outlines how their understanding of what works can be applied in each local area, and how Government will support the front line in doing this.
Click here for the Document

COMMISSIONING

Intermediate Care: Guidance for Commissioners and Providers of Health and Social Care (Revised February 2008)
This guidance for Commissioners and Providers of Health and Social Care, comes from the British Geriatrics Society.
Click here for the Guidance

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE

Children on Bullying (14th February 2008)
This report summarises research on children's views on bullying. It covers children living away from home in England (in children’s homes, boarding schools, residential special schools, residential further education colleges, foster care, adoption placements or residential family centres), those who are getting help of any sort from the children’s social care services of their local council and care leavers.
Click here for the Report

Association for Young People’s Health (February 2008)
The Association for Young People’s Health is a major new charity and membership organisation creating a focus for all professionals and organisations working in the field of young people’s health. The Association is supported with funding from the Department of Health and the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Click here for the Website

BULLETINS/NEWSLETTERS

We Can! – Winter 2008 (14th February 2008)

Medical Directors’ Bulletin, Issue 78, February 2008 (14th February 2008)

FSA News No. 74 February 2008 (18th February 2008)

Health Protection Report Vol. 2 No. 7 (15th February 2008)

TOOLKITS

Delivering Quality and Value: Consultant Clinical Activity 2006-07 (12th February 2008)
This toolkit updates Delivering quality and value: consultant clinical activity 2005-06, published in September 2007. The toolkit enables clinicians and managers to compare activity rates of consultants in their trust to national activity rates.
Click here for Toolkit

STATISTICS

Personal Social Services Expenditure and Unit Costs: England 2006/07 (7th February 2008)
Click here for Report

Click here for Unit Costs Summary

Click here for Expenditure 2006-2007

Click here for Gross and Net PSS expenditure of councils 1995-96 to 2006-2007

Click here for Grants by council 2006-07

Click here for Detailed Personal Social Services expenditure by council 2006-07

Click here for Detailed activity data by council 2006-07

Click here for Detailed unit cost indicators by council, 2006-07

Smokefree legislation compliance data, December 2007 (7th February 2008)
Click here for Report
Click here for Technical Annex

Dental reform monitoring, Q3 October-December 2007 (7th February 2008)

Referral to treatment statistics (admitted patients, non-admitted patients and incomplete RTT times), November 2007 (7th February 2008)

Diagnostic tests waiting times and activity data: month ending December 2007 (13th February 2008)
Click here for Commissioner based
Click here for Provider based

Labour Market Statistics – February 2008 (13th February 2008)

Labour Market Statistics – February 2008: North West (13th February 2008)

Housing Statistics 2007 (13th February 2008)

Road Casualties in Great Britain: Quarterly Provisional Estimates Q3 2007 (7th February 2008)
Click here for Report
Click here for Data Tables

SMOKING/TOBACCO

WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2008 (7th February 2008)
In a new report which presents the first comprehensive analysis of global tobacco use and control efforts, WHO finds that only 5% of the world’s population live in countries that fully protect their population with any one of the key measures that reduce smoking rates. The report also reveals that governments around the world collect 500 times more money in tobacco taxes each year than they spend on anti-tobacco efforts. It finds that tobacco taxes, the single most effective strategy, could be significantly increased in nearly all countries, providing a source of sustainable funding to implement and enforce the recommended approach, a package of six policies called MPOWER.
Click here for Report

SECURITY

The New Front Line: Security in a changing world. ippr Commission on National Security, Working Paper No. 1 (13th February 2008)
This paper analyses the key changes taking place in the national and international security landscape and assesses their implications for policy, examining the context within which a national security strategy must now be forged. As a result, it becomes clear that the contemporary security landscape is about much more than terrorism alone. The paper identifies five drivers of change and their effects: Globalisation and power diffusion; Global poverty and failing states; Climate change; The growth of political Islam; and Socio-economic vulnerability.
Click here for Paper

PUBLIC HEALTH

A North West Framework to achieve healthy weight for children and families within the context of food & nutrition and physical activity (February 2008)
The North West Framework to Achieve Healthy Weight for Children and Families has been developed in recognition of the growing need to reduce the impact of overweight and obesity on the population’s health and well being, through improving food & nutrition and increasing physical activity levels.
Click here for Framework

PATIENT AND PUBLIC INFORMATION

NHS funding processes and waiting times for adult service-users (13th February 2008)
This publication will help you understand the processes involved in obtaining funding for treatment for gender variant conditions. It answers the questions that service-users typically ask, and it provides guidance on how to navigate this complex system with minimum delay.
Click here for the Document

Medical care for gender variant children and young people: answering families’ questions (13th February 2008)
This publication provides answers to the questions typically asked by parents of gender variant children and young people (up to the age of 17). It helps families to understand about gender variance and gives some suggestions about how to respond.
Click here for the Document

PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Joint Committee on Human Rights – Legislative Scrutiny: Health and Social Care Bill – Eighth Report of session 2007-08 (6th February 2008)

Committee of Public Accounts – Helping people from workless households into work – Ninth Report of Session 2007-08 (7th February 2008)

Work and Pensions Committee – Work of the Committee in 2007 – First Report of Session 2007-08 (8th February 2008)

NICE

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia: consultation (8th February 2008)
A clinical practice guideline on Familial Hypercholesterolaemia 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. Closing date for comments is 7th April 2008.
Click here for Full Guideline

Click here for Nice Guideline

Click here for Appendix A

Click here for Appendix B

Click here for Appendix C

Click here for Appendix D

Click here for Appendix E

Click here for Appendix F

Click here for Appendix G

Click here for Comments proforma

Lung cancer (non-small cell) – erlotinib (appraisal consultation) (11th February 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 erlotinib and provide guidance on its use to the NHS in England and Wales. The Appraisal Committee has held its third meeting to consider the evidence submitted by the manufacturer and the views and evidence 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 erlotinib. Closing date for 3rd March 2008.
Click here for Consultation
Click here for Evaluation Report

Lipid modification: Consultation on section 4.3 – Cardiovascular risk assessment (11th February 2008)
A clinical practice guideline on lipid modification is being developed for use in the NHS in England and Wales. Registered stakeholders for the lipid modification guideline are invited to comment on section 4.3 of the full guideline relating to cardiovascular risk assessment, via this website. Closing date for comments is 7th March 2008.
Click here for Section 4.3
Click here for Comments proforma

Head and neck cancer – cetuximab (appraisal consultation) (11th February 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 single technology appraisal (STA) of cetuximab and provide guidance on its use to the NHS in England and Wales. The Appraisal Committee has met to consider both the evidence submitted by the manufacturer and the views and evidence 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 cetuximab. Closing date for comments is 4th March 2008.
Click here for Consultation
Click here for Evaluation Report

NHS

NHS Reference costs 2007/08: collection guidance (7th February 2008)
This document outlines the mandatory requirements for the 2007/08 reference costs collection. It updates and supersedes previous costing guidance. It should be read in conjunction with the latest version of the NHS costing manual.
Click here for the Document

NHS Costing Manual 2007/08 (7th February 2008)
This manual sets out the principles and practice of costing to be applied in the NHS. It is not just designed to support the production of the National Schedule of Reference Costs and through this, the national tariff, but should also be used in developing and monitoring service and financial frameworks, as well as developments in and the monitoring and implementation of National Service Frameworks.
Click here for the Manual

Organisational factors that influence waiting times in emergency departments (February 2008)
Waiting times in emergency departments are important to patients and also to hospitals,who are measured on how quickly they deal with attendees. But waiting times are highly variable, to the extent that there can be differences even between emergency departments that are quite similar in their size and workload. Are there any organisational characteristics that are shared by emergency departments which have shorter waiting times? This research addresses this question, identifying three factors that are strongly associated with shorter waiting times.
Click here for the Report
Click here for the Summary