ALCOHOL

Primary Care Service Framework: Alcohol Services in Primary Care (June 2008)
The purpose of this Primary Care Service Framework is: to equip commissioners, providers and practitioners with the necessary background knowledge, service and implementation details to safely deliver support for alcohol interventions in primary care; as a means of improving the health and quality of life of people whose health may be compromised by their use of alcohol by providing patient-centred, systematic and on-going support.
Click here for the Framework

BULLETINS/NEWSLETTERS

FSA News No. 78 June (12th June 2008)

Health Protection Report Vol. 2 No. 24 (13th June 2008)

CSIP Telecare eNewsletter May 2008 (10th June 2008)

CDO Update, June 2008 (17th June 2008)

CANCER

National Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Audit. An audit of the care received by people with Oesophago-Gastric Cancer in England and Wales. First Annual Report 2008 (13th June 2008)
Patients with one of the most devastating forms of cancer are surviving longer due to better services, but more work still needs to be done to improve organisation of palliative care, says the first national Oesophago-Gastric (OG) Cancer Audit. Each year, in England and Wales, approximately 13,500 people are diagnosed with either oesophageal or gastric cancer, making it the fifth most common type of cancer. The condition typically afflicts more elderly people and the prognosis for survival is poor with overall five-year survival rates in England and Wales, around seven per cent for oesophageal cancer and 13 per cent for gastric cancer.
Click here for the Report

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE

Young Runaways Action Plan (16th June 2008)
Around 100,000 young people under the age of 16 run away from home or care each year across the UK. The Department for Children, Schools and Families has taken the lead in coordinating policy developments across Government to ensure appropriate services are in place to respond to the needs of those who run away, in partnership with the Home Office, the Department of Communities and Local Government. The proposals in this joint action plan aim to build on examples of good practice and kick-start long-term improvements to services for young runaways.
Click here for the Action Plan

COMMISSIONING

About Time. Commissioning to transform day and vocational services (12th June 2008)
About Time is the first step-by-step guide that shows how commissioners can turn their services around to offer people the support they need to live the lives they want. It shows that involving service users from the start of a process of radical change is crucial to its success.
Click here for the Summary

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006/Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007: Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) scheme consultation document - formal Government response (10th June 2008)
Report on consultation carried out by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the Home Office and the Department of Health.
Click here for the Response

CONSULTATIONS

The NHS Resilience and Business Continuity Management Guidance 2008: interim strategic national guidance for NHS organisations (12th June 2008)
The purpose of this best practice guidance is to give National Health Service (NHS) organisations support in developing and refining Business Continuity Management (BCM) processes. This Guidance has been prepared under the auspices of the Department of Health’s NHS Resilience Project with expert input of a workshop event that met in London in November 2007. This is interim guidance and will be developed, refined and revised. Closing date for comments is 30th September 2008.
Click here for the Consultation
Click here for the Initial scoping assessment and action plan
Click here for the Questionnaire

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Department of Health Business Plan 2008-09 (11th June 2008)

EDUCATION/SCHOOLS

The Extra Mile - How schools succeed in raising aspirations in deprived communities (11th June 2008)
This publication focuses on children whose families have been poor for generations. It looks at ways of raising the aspirations of children from deprived communities, and engaging them in their education.
Click here for the publication

GENERAL PRACTICE

Quality and Outcomes Framework Guidance for GMS contract 2008/09 - Delivering investment in general practice (June 2008)
This guidance has been produced jointly by NHS Employers and the General Practitioners Committee and forms part of the contract changes for the General Medical Services Contract for 2008/09. It replaces Annex 1: Quality and Outcomes Framework guidance in the document called Revisions to the GMS contract 2006/07.
Click here for Guidance

HEALTHCARE

Strategic Health Authorities’ visions for better healthcare (11th June 2008)
Each of the nine Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) involved in the Review published their visions for better healthcare during May and early June 2008. These vision documents will be the basis of Lord Darzi’s final Our NHS, our future report, which will enable and support their delivery.
Click here for North West
Click here for East of England
Click here for East Midlands
Click here for South Central
Click here for South East Coast
Click here for South West Coast
Click here for North East
Click here for West Midlands
Click here for Yorkshire and Humber

HEALTHCARE COMMISSION

NHS Trust Declarations on standards for 2007/08 (16th June 2008)
The Healthcare Commission today (Monday) said it would carry out a thorough check of NHS trusts’ public declarations on whether they meet the government’s standards for healthcare. In the 2006/2007 annual performance assessment of the NHS, 33 trusts scored ‘weak’ for quality of services. During the 2007/2008 year, the commission visited these trusts to check on the progress being made to improve standards. Of the 33 trusts, 24 had been rated as 'not met' in 2006/2007 against core standards. All but two of these trusts have declared higher levels of compliance in 2007/2008.
Click here for Full Results Tables
Click here for Briefing Note
Click here for Declaration Spreadsheet

HOUSING

Evaluation of Social HomeBuy Pilot Scheme for Affordable Housing: Final Report (12th June 2008)
This report outlines the progress made to December 2007 in implementing Social HomeBuy. In particular it focuses on the motivations behind the involvement of participating landlords and their experience of barriers to the implementation of the scheme both from an organisational and a tenant perspective. The report provides an insight into the perceptions of landlords who are not currently participating in the scheme and reports the barriers they perceive in offering this scheme.
Click here for the Report

MENTAL HEALTH

Mental Capacity Act 2005: Deprivation of liberty safeguards - Code of Practice to supplement the main Mental Capacity Act 2005 Code of Practice (13th June 2008)
This Code of Practice has been prepared and was laid in draft before Parliament by the Lord Chancellor on 13 June 2008, in accordance with sections 42 and 43 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, after having consulted Welsh Ministers and such other persons as he considered appropriate. Subject to successful passage through parliament, the legislation will come into force in April 2009. The Code contains guidance on the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. The Code is particularly intended to provide guidance for professionals involved in administering and delivering the safeguards who are under a duty to have regard to the Code.
Click here for the Code of Practice

NHS

Is the Treatment Working? Progress with the NHS System Reform Programme (12th June 2008)
The report looks at the ambitious programme of market-style reforms that aim to improve efficiency and effectiveness and were first set out in the NHS Plan of 2000. It evaluates the key elements: giving patients more choice; greater NHS use of the independent sector; the creation of foundation trusts; practice based commissioning; and Payment by Results. It also reviews the impact of major changes to employment contracts with NHS staff.
Click here for Report
Click here for Summary

Globalisation. How will it affect the NHS? (June 2008)
This paper looks at the challenge of serving a population that is increasingly subject to global influences. It considers the impact of rising public expectations as information on global healthcare systems becomes increasingly accessible, as well as the effect of ethnic diversity in the UK and what it means for commissioners and providers. The paper challenges NHS leaders to design services for the future that genuinely respond to the needs of the populations they serve.
Click here for the Paper

Topping up. Should it be allowed in the NHS? (June 2008)
This paper looks at the issues surrounding whether or not patients should be able to buy additional treatments not offered by the NHS. It critically evaluates the present system, highlighting how the current inconsistencies must be addressed so that the NHS is not undermined.
Click here for the Paper

PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Children, Schools and Families Committee - Children and Young Persons Bill (Lords): Government Response to the Committee’s First Report of Session 2007-08 (16th June 2008)

Health Committee - National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: NICE Response to the Committee’s First Report of Session 2007-08 - First Special Report of Session 2007-08 (10th June 2008)

Home Affairs Committee - Domestic Violence, Forced Marriage and “Honour”-Based Violence - Sixth Report of Session 2007-08 (13th June 2008)
Click here for Vol. I
Click here for Vol. II

Committee of Public Accounts - Caring for Vulnerable Babies: The reorganisation of neonatal services in England - Twenty-sixth Report of Session 2007-08 (17th June 2008)

Work and Pensions Committee - The Best Start in Life? Alleviating deprivation, improving social mobility and eradicating child poverty: Government Response to the Committee’s Second Report of Session 2007-08 - Second Special Report of Session 2007-08 (12th June 2008)

PUBLIC HEALTH

ChaMPs Public Health Network Business Plan 2008/09 (16th June 2008)

STATISTICS

Report of the National Patient Choice Survey, England - January 2008 (12th June 2008)

Diagnostic tests waiting times and activity data: month ending 30 April and quarterly census (11th June 2008)
Click here for Commissioner based
Click here for Provider based
Click here for Quarterly census

National Population Projections 2006 Based (12th June 2008)
Click here for Report
Click here for Additional Tables

Labour Market Statistics June 2008 (11th June 2008)
Click here for National
Click here for Regional

Statutory Homeless Statistics (12th June 2008)

WORKFORCE/WORKPLACE

Lessons from outsourcing adult social care: the workforce issues (10th June 2008)
This report presents the findings of a study commissioned by the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) to explore outsourcing within adult social care. It examines how this has affected the workforce and the lessons for the rest of local government.
Click here for the Report

ANTIBODIES

Programme to maintain the security of supply of immunoglobulin (4th June 2008)
This letter provides guidance on recommended actions for all Trust Chief Executives and Medical Directors in order to manage the demand and maintain the supply of immunoglobulin products.
Click here for the Letter

Clinical guidelines for immunoglobulin use (2nd edition) (4th June 2008)
The goal of these clinical guidelines is to ensure best practice in the use of IVIg across all indications, based on available evidence and expert opinion. This supports the DH-initiated National Demand Management Progamme for Immunoglobulin to provide guidance on appropriate use, to manage demand and to ensure supply for patients for whom immunoglobulin is life-saving.
Click here for the Guidelines

Demand management plan for immunoglobulin use (2nd edition) (4th June 2008)
In 2006, the Department initiated the National Demand Management Programme for Immunoglobulin to provide guidance on appropriate use, to manage demand and to ensure supply for patients for whom immunoglobulin is life-saving.
Click here for the Document

BULLETINS/NEWSLETTERS

The Quarter: quarter 4, 2007-08 (6th June 2008)

Health Protection Report Vol. 2 No. 23 (6th June 2008)

CARE/CARERS

Carers at the heart of 21st century families and communities: a caring system on your side, a life of your own (10th June 2008)
The carers' strategy sets out the Government's short-term agenda and long-term vision for the future care and support of carers. The carers' strategy is underpinned by £255 million to implement some immediate steps alongside with medium and long-term plans. New commitments in the carers’ strategy include: £150 million towards planned short breaks for carers; £38 million towards supporting carers to enter or re-enter the job market and £6 million towards improving support for young carers. Other schemes include the piloting of annual health checks for carers to help them stay well and training for GPs to recognise and support carers. A more integrated and personalised support service for carers will be offered through easily accessible information, targeted training for key professionals to support carers, and pilots to examine how the NHS can better support carers.
Click here for Strategy

Click here for Summary

Click here for Health Impact Assessment

Click here for Work and Pensions Impact Assessment

Self care: a national view in 2007 compared to 2004/05 (10th June 2008)
The Department of Health commissioned Ipsos MORI to undertake a longitudinal study, exploring attitudes of the public towards self care. This report presents the results of the 2007 study. A further study will be carried out in 2009.
Click here for Executive Summary

Click here for Part 1 - Views of the general public

Click here for Part 2 - Views of people with long term conditions

Click here for Part 3 - Attachments

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE

Making sense of health (June 2008)
Making Sense of Health is an educational and community health resource for teachers and students in primary and secondary education and also for parents and public health professionals. It is a preventative health resource that aims to empower children and young people to make better lifestyle choices, engage with community health issues, become better informed patients, and use the NHS more appropriately.
Click here for the Website

CLINICAL AUDIT

National Clinical Audit (5th June 2008)
In 2006 the Chief Medical Officer’s report, Good Doctors, Safer Patients called for the reinvigoration of clinical audit to enable it to reach its potential as a rich source of information to support service improvement, better information for patients and other activities such as revalidation of clinicians. In February 2007 the White Paper ‘Trust Assurance and Safety’ agreed with this analysis.
Click here for Information

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Mental Capacity Act 2005 Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Code of Practice and regulations: report on consultation (10th June 2008)
A report on a consultation exercise that took place between September 2007 and December 2007 relating to draft Code of Practice guidance and two sets of draft regulations concerning the deprivation of liberty safeguards introduced into the Mental Capacity Act 2005 by the Mental Health Act 2007.
Click here for the Response

CONSULTATIONS

Proposed new arrangements under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the provision of stoma and urology appliances and related services in primary care (9th June 2008)
This consultation is part of the Department of Health's ongoing review of the arrangements under Part lX of the Drug Tariff for the provision of stoma and urology appliances - and related services - in primary care. The Department last consulted on proposals regarding these arrangements in September 2007. Given those responses, the Department sat down with interested parties in February and March 2008 in order to discuss their responses - as this would allow it to explore approaches that would help to inform policy and, consequently, allow the review to be concluded. Those meetings, and responses to the September 2007 consultation, helped to inform the proposals set out in this consultation document. Closing date for comments is 8th September 2008.
Click here for the Consultation

EDUCATION/SCHOOLS

The National Challenge: Raising standards, supporting schools (10th June 2008)
The National Challenge will support schools with the lowest GCSE results, so that by 2011 in every secondary school at least 30 per cent of students will achieve five or more GCSEs at A* to C including English and mathematics. The National Challenge will focus greater attention, help and resources on schools that are currently below this benchmark. A School Improvement Strategy, Promoting excellence for all, is published alongside the toolkit.
Toolkit

A School Improvement Strategy

Map, by local authority of National Challenge schools based on 2007 results (very large file)

List of National Challenge schools by local authority

ELDERLY/OLDER PEOPLE

My Home Life (June 2008)
This is a new initiative aimed at improving the quality of life of those who are living, dying, visiting and working in care homes for older people.
Click here for Website

FOOD SAFETY

Food Safety Week (9th June 2008)
Food Safety Week is an annual event held to promote the importance of good food hygiene in the home. This year the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have launched its latest food hygiene campaign ‘GermWatch’ to coincide with it.
Click here for Resources

GUIDANCE/GUIDELINES

Pre-registration education and funding for paramedics: guidance for SHAs, PCTs and ambulance services (4th June 2008)
This guidance is designed for use by SHAs, PCTs and ambulance services seeking to make the transition to higher education for paramedics. Higher education for paramedics is central to achieving a modernised ambulance workforce that is able to provide a greater range of mobile urgent care, as set out in the ambulance review 'Taking healthcare to the patient'. Making the transition will equip ambulance clinicians with a greater range of competences and underpinning knowledge whilst maintaining the vocational nature of their training. It will also aid integration with the wider NHS, making it easier for staff to move to and from ambulance roles within their careers. The guidance sets out the reasons for change and the broad education model, and gives advice on how to commission and fund education programmes.
Click here for the Document
Click here for the Impact Assessment

HEALTH INEQUALITIES

Health inequalities: progress and next steps (9th June 2008)
This document outlines the Government’s approach to hit the 2010 health inequalities Public Service Agreement targets, assessing what has and has not worked, and setting the direction of travel beyond 2010. The partial equality impact assessment sets out some of the current health inequalities and potential interventions to reduce and eliminate these inequalities.
Click here for the Document
Click here for the Equality Impact Assessment

HOUSING

Disabled Children and Housing (4th June 2008)
Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) has launched a new campaign briefing that says families with disabled children may be the worst housed families in Britain. It highlights that fewer than half of disabled children live in housing suitable to their needs - a lower proportion than for any other age group of disabled people.
Click here for the Briefing

Housing and Disabled Children (4th June 2008)
In recent years the issue of housing and disabled children has moved up the policy agenda, and there are currently opportunities for change at both the national and local policy level. This round-up, from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, provides an overview of what is known about the housing circumstances of disabled children and their families.
Click here for the Summary

Life in Affordable Housing (4th June 2008)
This second paper in the Planning for the Future series examines what kind of affordable housing people want, which aspects of their homes they like and don’t like, and highlights issues that need to be addressed to improve housing to better meet the needs of the tenants (and shared owners) of today and tomorrow. It has looked at research from the private sector as well as exploring the main priorities of social tenants.
Click here for the Paper

Towards an ageing society (4th June 2008)
This is a final evaluation report of the Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust's housing programme for older people.
Click here for the Report

HUMAN RESOURCES

Data Protection Good Practice Note - Disclosure of employee information under TUPE (4th June 2008)
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has today published new guidance to help organisations comply with the Data Protection Act when providing information about their employees under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE).

Click here for the Note

MATERNITY/MIDWIFERY

Maternity Services: Future of Small Units (May 2008)
This paper, from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), explores the future of small maternity units. The RCOG believe this is where the biggest change is necessary affecting services provided in the hospital setting by obstetricians.
Click here for the Paper

NHS

Developing the NHS Performance Regime (4th June 2008)
This document is designed to afford greater transparency and consistency across the NHS in relation to: identifying underperformance; interventions to address turnaround; and managing failure. This vision document is the first stage of our work, and has been tested with key stakeholders - including the NHS Management Board, NHS Confederation, the Healthcare Commission and Monitor - and we would welcome any feedback. The second stage of work will involve engagement with colleagues in the service and across Government to further develop the detail of the NHS Performance Regime, and which will be implemented under the 2009/10 Operating Framework.
Click here for the Document
Click here for the Video Introduction
Click here for the Transcript of Video Introduction

Extending Professional Working Group Interim Report: Protecting the public by ensuring that workforce standards are met (6th June 2008)
This interim report outlines progress of the Extending Professional Regulation Working Group. The Working Group are one of the workstreams taking forward recommendations proposed in the White paper 'Trust, Assurance, Safety'.
Click here for the Report

NICE

Autologous pancreatic islet cell transplantation for improved glycaemic control after pancreatectomy (interventional procedures consultation) (28th May 2008)
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is examining autologous pancreatic islet cell transplantation for improved glycaemic control after pancreatectomy and will publish guidance on its safety and efficacy to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Institute's Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee has considered the available evidence and the views of Specialist Advisers, who are consultants with knowledge of the procedure. The Advisory Committee has made provisional recommendations about autologous pancreatic islet cell transplantation for improved glycaemic control after pancreatectomy. Closing date for comments is 25th June 2008.
Click here for the consultation

Balloon catheter dilation of paranasal sinus for chronic sinusitis (second interventional procedures consultation) (28th May 2008)
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is examining balloon catheter dilation of paranasal sinus ostia for chronic sinusitis and will publish guidance on its safety and efficacy to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Institute's Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee has considered the available evidence and the views of Specialist Advisers, who are consultants with knowledge of the procedure. The Advisory Committee has made provisional recommendations about balloon catheter dilation of paranasal sinus ostia for chronic sinusitis. Closing date for comments is 25th June 2008.
Click here for the Consultation

Personality disorders - borderline: consultation on the draft guideline (9th June 2008)
A clinical practice guideline on Borderline personality disorder 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 4th August 2008.
Click here for the Full Guideline
Click here for the NICE Guideline
Click here for the Comments Proforma
Click here for the Appendices

Latest Implementation Tools (11th June 2008)

Surgical management of OME
Click here for Audit Support

Diabetes - type 2 (update)
Click here for Costing Statement
Click here for Slide Set

Lipid modification
Click here for Costing Template
Click here for Slide Set

Anaemia (cancer-treatment induced) - erythropoietin (alpha and beta) and darbepoetin
Click here for Costing Statement
Click here for Audit Support

Antenatal care
Click here for Audit Support

Promoting physical activity in the workplace
Click here for Business Case

Ankylosing spondylitis - adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab
Click here for Cost Template
Click here for Audit Support

Diabetes in pregnancy
Click here for Audit Support

Maternal and Child Nutrition
Click here for Audit Support

Prophylaxis against infective endocarditis
Click here for Audit Support

PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Public Accounts Committee - Report on the NHS Summarised Accounts, 2006-07: Achieving Financial Balance - Twenty-third Report of Session 2007-08 (5th June 2008)

POLYCLINICS

Under One Roof: Will polyclinics deliver integrated care? (5th June 2008)
Government policy is driving a fundamental shift of care from hospitals to more community-based settings. There is a growing expectation that this shift will be supported by the development of a network of new facilities in which primary, community and secondary care services are co-located, often referred to as polyclinics. Will this model improve the quality and accessibility of health care and deliver cost savings? Drawing on published information and original research into facilities similar to the polyclinic model in the United Kingdom and abroad, this report identifies and explores both opportunities and risks in relation to: quality of care, accessibility of services and cost.
Click here for the Document

PRESCRIBING

Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) guidelines for LCP Drug Prescribing in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (9th June 2008)
Prescribing guidelines to ensure best practice in the care of kidney patients during the last weeks or days of their lives. Part of the LCP programme to extend LCP to kidney disease. The guidelines were developed by an expert project group, overseen by the LCP Renal Steering Group, and have been endorsed by the Department of Health, the Renal Association and the British Renal Society.
Click here for the Guidelines

PRIMARY CARE TRUSTS

PCT Board Development Framework - specification (4th June 2008)
PCT board development has been identified has a key priority as part of the Department of Health’s world class commissioning programme. Following discussion with the ten Strategic Health Authorities, DH has committed to leading this work at a national level. A board development specification has now been produced which PCTs can use locally to procure a board development programme.
Click here for the Document

STATISTICS

Households below average income. An analysis of the income distribution 1994/95-2006-07 (10th June 2008)

Marked differences between UK’s four National Health Services (9th June 2008)

NHS Dental Statistics for England: Quarter 3: 31 December 2007 (5th June 2008)
Click here for the Report
Click here for Annex 2a - PCT Factsheet
Click here for Annex 2b - SHA Factsheet
Click here for Annex 3
Click here for Annex 4

ALCOHOL

Youth Alcohol Action Plan (2nd June 2008)
There is growing public concern about how much alcohol young people drink in their teenage years. The evidence set out in this action plan shows the extent of the problem and sets out the Government's five priorities for tackling it. This action plan highlights evidence on the extent of the problem of teenage drinking, how it puts the health of young people at risk and increases the chances of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour and crime. The action plan sets out five priorities to tackle the problem, including the stepping up of enforcement activity and establishing a new partnership with parents.
Click here for the Document

ANNUAL REPORTS

Food Standards Agency: Annual Report of incidents 2007 (2nd June 2008)
This report covers the 1,312 incidents investigated by the Food Standards Agency in the UK in 2007. Where appropriate, the agency took action to ensure that consumers’ food safety interests were protected and standards maintained.
Click here for the Report

BULLETINS/NEWSLETTERS

The Month: Issue 9, May 2008 (30th May 2008)

Health Protection Report Vol. 2 No. 21 (23rd May 2008)

Health Protection Report Vol. 2 No. 22 (30th May 2008)

CARE/CARERS

Just Care? A fresh approach to adult services (1st June 2008)
A just society can be judged on how it supports people who need care to live independent lives. Care for adults has rarely received the attention it deserves. However, this is changing. This paper outlines how a care system that is fair for users and givers of care could take shape. It starts from a central point: the state cannot support adults with care needs to maximise their independence without better supporting care within families and across communities. This requires looking at how the range of services for support adults, families and communities.
Click here for the Paper

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE

Preventing Future Child Deaths: A study of ‘early starter’ child death overview panels in England (2nd June 2008)
This report examines processes for reviewing child deaths. Formal review processes serve a valuable public health function in providing contemporary and comprehensive information on patterns of child death, promote action to prevent child deaths, and support wider aspects of inter-agency working to safeguard children and promote their welfare.
Click here for the Report

COMMISSIONING

World Class Commissioning Assurance Toolkit and Handbook (4th June 2008)
The delivery of the world class commissioning vision and competencies will take place within a commissioning assurance system. This will drive performance and development, and reward PCTs as they move towards becoming world class commissioners. There will be one national system of commissioning assurance, locally managed by strategic health authorities (SHAs). There will be flexibility to set local priorities. Commissioning assurance will be designed to help primary care trusts (PCTs) identify areas of development and move towards filling gaps in their capabilities. The details of the assurance system are set out in the commissioning assurance handbook which includes guidance on the content and process. The handbook is supported by a toolkit including all the tools and templates that PCTs and SHAs will need to implement the system. PCTs, SHAs and panel members should go visit the link below to access the toolkit.
Click here for the Handbook
Click here for the Toolkit

COMMUNITIES

Designing citizen-centred governance (23rd May 2008)
Citizen-centred governance involves new ways of enabling local people, working with statutory and other agencies, to decide how public services can improve their quality of life. This study examined the relationship between new governance structures and the engagement of citizens, service users and the voluntary and community sectors, with the aim of identifying lessons for policy and practice.
Click here for the Report
Click here for the Findings

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Possible amendments to medicines and associated legislation during an influenza pandemic - summary of responses to a Department of Health consultation paper (21st May 2008)
Summary of responses to an initial consultation on outline ideas to ensure continuity of access to medicines and healthcare products during the event of an influenza pandemic.
Click here for the Response

Summary of responses to the consultation on improving the process of death certification (21st May 2008)
This document provides an overview of respondents comments on the proposals to address weaknesses identified by the Shipman Inquiry in the process of death certification in England and Wales. The consultation ran from July to October 2007.
Click here for the Response

The responsible pharmacist regulations: a summary of the responses to public consultation on proposals for the content of the regulations (22nd May 2008)
In October 2007 the Department of Health published a consultation paper seeking views on proposals for the content of the responsible pharmacist regulations. This document provides a summary of the responses to that consultation.
Click here for the Response

CONSULTATIONS

Youth Alcohol Action Plan (2nd June 2008)
This consultation seeks views on a comprehensive plan to stop young people drinking in public, help them make the right decisions about alcohol and provide clear information to parents and young people about the risks of early drinking. Closing date for comments is 7th July 2008.
Click here for the Consultation

Consultation on the future of tobacco control (31st May 2008)
The Cancer Reform Strategy 2007 announced the Government’s intention to consult on the next steps in tobacco control and the further regulation of tobacco products, and to consult with stakeholders on measures to reduce the significant harm to health caused by smoking for those who are addicted to nicotine and not able to quit altogether. This consultation is the first step in developing a new national tobacco control strategy and covers four main areas: Reducing smoking rates and health inequalities caused by smoking; Protecting children and young people from smoking; Supporting smokers to quit; and Helping those who cannot quit. Closing date for comments is 8th September 2008.
Click here for the Consultation

Young People’s Specialist Substance Misuse Treatment: Exploring the Evidence: Consultation (29th May 2008)
The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) is inviting comments on this guidance. Closing date for comments is 9th July 2008.
Click here for the Consultation Document
Click here for the Questionnaire

Towards a strategy to support volunteering in health and social care: consultation (3rd June 2008)
A volunteering strategy for health and social care will articulate the key actions needed to address the perceived obstacles to making a refreshed vision for volunteering in health and social care a reality. The consultation will run until 30 September 2008, with a view to publication of a final strategy and implementation plan in early 2009.
Click here for the Consultation Document
Click here for Questions and Answers
Click here for the Partial Impact Assessment
Click here for the Equality Impact Assessment
Click here for More Information

DIET/NUTRITION

‘All salted?’ Reducing salt intake in young parents and their children (3rd June 2008)
National Children’s Bureau, as part of the Food Standard Agency’s (FSA) campaign on reducing salt in the nations’ diet, was funded by the FSA to develop and pilot a salt reduction health and lifeskills programme to help young parents to reduce their salt intake and that of their children. The project aimed to enable young mothers and fathers aged between 14-21 years to reduce and then maintain the reduction in their own and their children’s salt intake.
Click here for the Evaluation Report
Click here for the Summary

DISABILITIES

A guide to the Human Rights Act - A booklet for people with learning disabilities (2nd June 2008)
A revised Guide to the Human Rights Act for people with learning disabilities uses examples from everyday life to help explain what human rights means for them. The booklet was produced by the Ministry of Justice with the help of Working with Words, a specialist supplier of services for people with learning disabilities and low literacy. It uses examples from work, supported housing, day services and dealing with the local council to illustrate how human rights apply to people's everyday lives.
Click here for the Booklet

GUIDANCE/GUIDELINES

Guidance for GPs, other clinicians and health professionals on the care of gender variant people (21st May 2008)
Gender variant (trans or transgender) people are relatively rarely seen in GP surgeries. Many GPs say that they lack the knowledge to treat those experiencing gender variant conditions, and, consequently, they are not confident to do so. The first part of this publication provides an overview of care for trans people that is particularly applicable to GPs. Hormone therapy is central to transgender primary care, and issues such as assessment and diagnosis are also relevant to general practice. These topics are discussed in greater detail in Annexes C and D.
Click here for the Guidance

HEALTHCARE

Compassion in healthcare (30th May 2008)
This paper explores how, despite the scope and sophistication of modern healthcare, care and compassion appear to be under strain in health systems globally. It does this through the story of Robin Youngson, an anaesthetist and clinical leader in New Zealand, and his daughter’s treatment in hospital after an accident. Through his prescription for compassion, Robin considers how to put the compassion back in to modern healthcare across the world.
Click here for the Paper

HOUSING

Who Lives in Affordable Housing? (22nd May 2008)
This report provides insight into the changing profile of affordable housing residents. While recognising the considerable diversity across and within housing markets, it identifies some key characteristics of residents and explores how their profile looks set to change over the next few years.
Click here for the Report

INFORMATION

An Accreditation Scheme for Health and Social Care Information next steps and testing phase (29th May 2008)
The Information Accreditation Scheme has a pivotal role in improving patient experience in that it will ‘kite mark’ information producers in order to make it easier for people to make their own judgements about the quality of information to make decisions about their health, health care and social care. The Scheme is moving into an important testing phase and will be launched in early 2009. As part of the testing phase, we are looking for a limited number of information producers to help test the Standard and certification process during this year.
Complete Document and Cover Letter
Background Information and Expression of Interest Form

MENTAL HEALTH

Paying the Price: The cost of mental health care in England to 2026 (28th May 2008)
Recognising the significance of mental health in terms of both expenditure and the overall health of the population, the King’s Fund commissioned a review. This report presents current and projected needs for mental health services and their related costs. It gives details on a number of specific disorders, including depression, schizophrenic disorders and dementia. Paying the Price suggests that without the right level and type of investment we will all pay the price – not just in wasted resources but also in wasted lives. This report should be used to encourage informed debate about the future nature and shape of mental health support.
Click here for Full Report
Click here for Summary

See me, not just the dementia. Understanding people’s experiences of living in a care home (3rd June 2008)
This report, from the Commission for Social Care Inspection, focuses on the quality of care for people with dementia living in care homes. It looks at the experiences of people with dementia living in care homes in England, with a particular focus on whether their care offers dignity and respect. Most similar studies have relied on the views of carers, care staff and people in the early stages of dementia. This study examines directly the experiences of people including those with advanced dementia.
Click here for Full Report
Click here for Summary

MINORITIES

Report and analysis of the experience of patients in black and minority ethnic groups (22nd May 2008)
This publication examines variations in the self-reported views of NHS patients from different ethnic groups across a range of healthcare settings, and the work was undertaken jointly by the Department of Health and the Healthcare Commission. Results include data from the national surveys of patients published by the Healthcare Commission up to and including 2006/07.
Click here for the Publication

NHS

New standard contracts for NHS mental health, community and ambulance services (29th May 2008)
Monthly bulletins on the development of new standard contracts for NHS mental health, community, and ambulance services, to be introduced from April 2009. The new contracts will be based upon many of the same principles and requirements of the standard acute contract (introduced through the Operating Framework in December 2007 for agreements between PCTs, as commissioners, and NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts as providers), amended as necessary to take account of the different service and organisational contexts.
Click here for Information

Implementing the White Paper Trust, Assurance and Safety: enhancing confidence in healthcare professional regulators - final report and DH response to recommendation (2nd June 2008)
In May 2007, Lord Hunt asked Niall Dickson, Chief Executive of the Kings Fund, to chair one of the seven working groups to take forward key recommendations in the White Paper Trust, Assurance and Safety. This group was asked to examine those aspects of the White Paper concerned with enhancing public confidence in the regulators of healthcare professionals. This document contains the working group's report and the Department's response to its recommendations.
Click here for the Document

NHS Carbon Emissions Modelling (29th May 2008)
The NHS has produced an NHS England Carbon Reduction Strategy, as part of a broader sustainable development agenda. To support this process, the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) has completed a carbon footprinting study - covering all NHS England Estates and activities - in conjunction with the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI).
Click here for the Document

Background to the Next Stage Review (30th May 2008)
In July 2007 Professor Lord Ara Darzi, a surgeon and health minister, started a wide-ranging review of the NHS in England and the final report is due to be published before the 60th anniversary of the NHS on 5 July 2008. This briefing, from the Kings Fund, provides the background of the review and previews the recommendations the report will make.
Click here for the Briefing

The Quest for Quality: Refining the NHS Reforms. A Policy Analysis and Chartbook (20th May 2008)
Quest for Quality: Refining the NHS reforms is a detailed and authoritative study of healthcare in the UK by internationally acclaimed academics Professor Sheila Leatherman and Dr Kim Sutherland. It is the last of a series commissioned to examine in depth the progress of and quality of care in the NHS over a 10-year period which began in 1997. This latest document reports on how and where quality has improved in response to major investment since the Labour Government was elected and follows an interim report published in 2005. It has two complementary sections – a policy analysis and a data chartbook - and also contains recommendations for the Department of Health on how the quality agenda may be more effectively progressed in future.
Click here for the Document

NICE

Anaemia (cancer-treatment induced) - erythropoietin (alpha and beta) and darbepoetin - Technology Appraisal TA142 (28th May 2008)
Erythropoietin analogues with iron injections are recommended as a possible treatment for anaemia caused by cancer treatment only in: women receiving platinum-based chemotherapy for cancer of the ovaries who have a blood haemoglobin level of 8 g/100 ml or lower; people who have very severe anaemia and cannot receive blood transfusions.
Click here for Guidance
Click here for Quick Reference Guide
Click here for Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for Costing statement
Click here for Audit support

Ankylosing spondylitis - adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab - Technology Appraisal TA143 (28th May 2008)
Adalimumab or etanercept are recommended as possible treatments for people with severe ankylosing spondylitis who: have active spinal disease as assessed on two separate occasions 12 weeks apart, and have tried at least two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but they have not worked.
Click here for Guidance
Click here for Quick Reference Guide
Click here for Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for Cost Template
Click here for Audit Support

Canaloplasty for primary open-angle glaucoma - Intervention Procedure Guidance IP260 (28th May 2008)
Primary open angle glaucoma is a condition associated with a long-term increase of pressure within the eye. It may gradually lead to permanent loss of sight because of damage to the nerve that connects the eye to the brain (optic nerve), which is essential for sight. Canaloplasty involves widening the main drainage canal in the eye to help prevent the build up of fluid. The drainage canal is situated within the angle between the iris (the coloured part of the eye) and cornea (the transparent outer coating of the eye). A tiny tube is inserted into the canal and a thick fluid (viscoelastic) is injected to open it up. The tube is then removed and a stitch is placed within the canal to keep it open. The aim is to restore the eye’s natural drainage system and reduce pressure within the eye.
Click here for Guidance
Click here for Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for Consultation Comments

Diabetes Type 2 (update) - Clinical Guideline CG66 (28th May 2008)
This guidance is about the care and treatment of people with type 2 diabetes in the NHS in England and Wales. It covers: the monitoring of glucose, lipid (blood cholesterol and fat) and blood pressure levels; diabetes education programmes; dietary advice. The use of medications to: control blood glucose; prevent vascular (blood vessel) disease; reduce blood pressure; improve lipid levels. The detection and ongoing management (with referral to a specialist if necessary) of: eye disease; kidney disease; nerve damage and nerve pain; depression.
Click here for Full Guideline
Click here for NICE Guidance
Click here for Quick Reference Guide
Click here for Appendices
Click here for Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for Consultation Table
Click here for Costing Statement

Endoaortic balloon occlusion for cardiac surgery - Intervention Procedure Guidance IPG261 (28th May 2008)
During major heart surgery, the flow of blood through the heart needs to be stopped temporarily. In endoaortic balloon occlusion, a flexible tube (catheter) with a balloon attached to its tip is inserted into an artery in the groin (femoral artery) and threaded up to the heart. When the catheter is in the correct position in the heart, the balloon is filled with saline. As the balloon expands it blocks the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. With the aorta blocked, the heart surgery can be performed. After heart surgery, the balloon and catheter are removed and the blood flow is restored.
Click here for Guidance
Click here for Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for Consultation Comments

Lipid modification - Clinical Guideline CG67 (28th May 2008)
This guideline covers: Adults at higher risk of heart disease, stroke or peripheral arterial disease (cardiovascular disease). Risk of cardiovascular disease increases with age, as well as in people who smoke or who have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. People with heart disease in the family or men with a South Asian (for example, Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi) background are also at higher risk; People who have already had a heart attack, stroke or 'mini-stroke' (transient ischaemic attack or TIA); People who have angina or some other forms of cardiovascular disease.
Click here for NICE Guideline
Click here for Full Guidance
Click here for Guidance Appendices A-C
Click here for Guidance Appendix D
Click here for Guidance Appendices E-J
Click here for Guidance Appendix K
Click here for Guidance Appendix L
Click here for Quick Reference Guide
Click here for Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for Costing Report
Click here for Costing Template

Promoting Physical Activity in the Workplace - Public Health Intervention Guidance PH13 (28th May 2008)
This guidance is for employers and professionals in small, medium and large organisations who have a direct or indirect role in, and responsibility for, improving health in the workplace. This includes those working in the NHS, local authorities and the wider public, voluntary, community and private sectors, especially those working in human resources or occupational health. It will also be of interest to employees, trades union representatives and members of the public. The guidance complements and supports, but does not replace, NICE guidance on: physical activity and the environment, workplace smoking and obesity.
Click here for Full Guidance
Click here for Quick Reference Guide
Click here for Business Case

Single-incision sub-urethral short tape insertion for stress urinary incontinence in women - Intervention Procedure Guidance IPG262 (28th May 2008)
Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine during exercise or certain movements such as coughing, sneezing and laughing. It is usually due to weak or damaged muscles and connective tissues in the pelvic floor. Single incision sub-urethral short tape insertion involves the insertion of a short synthetic tape under the urethra, through an incision in the vagina. The tape aims to support the urethra (the passage through which urine leaves the bladder), to reduce the chance of urine leaking when the bladder is put under pressure.
Click here for Guidance
Click here for Understanding NICE Guidance
Click here for Consultation Comments

Metastic spinal cord compression: consultation (23rd May 2008)
A clinical practice guideline on Metastatic spinal cord compression is being developed for use in the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Registered stakeholders for this guideline are invited to comment on the provisional recommendations via this website. Closing date for comments is 18th July 2008.
Click here for Draft Full Guideline
Click here for Draft NICE Guideline
Click here for Full Evidence Review
Click here for Comments Proforma

Hyperuricaemia - Febuxostat: appraisal consultation document (28th May 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 febuxostat for the management of hyperuricaemia in patients with gout and provide guidance on its use to the NHS in England and Wales. The Appraisal Committee has had its first meeting 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 febuxostat. Closing date for comments is 17th June 2008.
Click here for the Consultation

NURSING

The work-life experiences of black nurses in the UK (30th May 2008)
This research was commissioned by the RCN in order to collate detailed narratives of the work-life experiences of nurses from established minority ethnic communities within the UK (rather than more recently arrived internationally recruited migrant nurses). The data on which this report is based was collated at three focus group sessions held in October and November 2007 involving a total of 30 black nurses. The main objective of the research was to provide illustrative examples of the work-life experiences of black nurses in the UK and also to encourage a discussion about how the RCN could be involved in helping to improve the working lives of its black members. The report makes some recommendations for the RCN to support these aims.
Click here for the Report

PARENTING

Joint birth registration: recording responsibility (2nd June 2008)
This White Paper from the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Work and Pensions, urges that wherever possible both parents are named on a child’s birth certificate. The measures will continue to protect vulnerable women and children, but will allow mothers to ensure that a father acknowledges their responsibility to their offspring. Equally, they will ensure unmarried fathers will get the right to have a say in their child's life.
Click here for the White Paper
Click here for theImpact Assessment

PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Communities and Local Government Committee - The Supply of Rented Housing - Eighth Report of Session 2007-08 (21st May 2008)
Click here for Vol. I
Click here for Vol. II

PATIENT AND PUBLIC INFORMATION

How to use your hearing aid (20th May 2008)
This guide is intended to help people use their NHS hearing aids as effectively as possible.
Click here for Paper Guide
Click here for Audio Version

Dirty Bertie storybook leaflet and nursery rhyme (2nd June 2008)
A new nursery rhyme and Dirty Bertie storybook leaflet for young children, carrying the 'Catch It, Bin It, Kill It' message.
Click here for Storybook leaflet
Click here for Nursery Rhyme audio
Click here for Nursery Rhyme transcript

Your baby: feeding your baby in the first year (23rd May 2008)
The Food Standards Agency has today published a new booklet giving advice to parents and carers on feeding and weaning their babies. The booklet also includes advice on food allergies and checking food labels.
Click here for Booklet

PATIENT SAFETY

Foresight Training Programme (27th May 2008)
The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has launched a Foresight Training Resource Pack to improve the safety of patients treated in the NHS. The Foresight Training Resource Pack has been developed to support nurses and midwives, working in all care settings to improve awareness of the factors that combine to increase the likelihood of patient safety incidents; to increase local learning through sharing experiences and to improve understanding of “risk prone situations” and situations that could be considered as a “near miss”.
Click here for the Programme
Click here for More Information

PRIMARY CARE

No patient left behind: how can we ensure world class primary care for black and ethnic minority people? (22nd May 2008)
The 2007 GP Patient Survey highlighted significant variations between GP practices in levels of patient satisfaction, together with lower satisfaction rates for people from some BME groups. In response, the Secretary of State announced in July 2007 that he was asking Professor David Colin-Thomé, National Clinical Director for Primary Care, and Professor Mayur Lakhani (former Chair of the RCGP) to lead two reviews into access and responsiveness of primary care services. In this report, Professor Lakhani looks specifically at the reasons for lower satisfaction among patients from some BME communities.
Click here for the Document

Report of the National Improvement Team for Primary Care Access and Responsiveness (22nd May 2008)
The 2007 GP Patient Survey highlighted significant variations between GP practices in levels of patient satisfaction, together with lower satisfaction rates for people from some BME groups. In response, the Secretary of State announced in July 2007 that he was asking Professor David Colin-Thomé, National Clinical Director for Primary Care, and Professor Mayur Lakhani (former Chair of the RCGP) to lead two reviews into access and responsiveness of primary care services. In this report, Professor Colin-Thomé focuses on the variation in patient satisfaction between practices.
Click here for the Document

PRISONS/PRISON HEALTH

Short-changed. Spending on Prison Mental Health Care (27th May 2008)
This report, produced by Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health and Lincolnshire University, shows that prison inreach teams get £300 in funding for every prisoner in England. This is only about one-third of what they need to offer the same level of service as community mental health services. Short-changed finds that there is wide variation in funding for prison mental health care which cannot be explained by higher costs or different needs between regions.
Click here for the Report

PUBLIC HEALTH

Children and Secondhand Smoke - A position statement (29th May 2008)
This joint position statement issued by the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) and Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has the message that parents can play a crucial role in protecting their children’s health, simply by not smoking in their presence.
Click here for the Postition Statement

Alcohol and Public Health - Position statement (3rd June 2008)
The Faculty of Public Health and Association of Directors of Public Health are calling for firm action at both national and local level to address the devastating impact of Britain’s drinking habits.
Click here for the Position Statement

PBS Phase 3 Diabetes Population Prevalence Model (May 2008)
The Yorkshire and Humber Public Health Observatory (YHPHO) is the lead Public Health Observatory for diabetes. In 2004, YHPHO was commissioned by the Department of Health, in collaboration with the National Diabetes Support Team, to produce a model that estimates total diabetes prevalence. The third and latest version of the PBS model is now available.
Click here for PBS Phase 3 Model
Click here for PBS Key Findings
Click here for Technical Briefing

A Sickle Crisis? A report of the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death 2008 (21st May 2008)
This report on sickle cell disease and thalassaemia provides: a review of current haemoglobinopathy mortality; broad baseline data; and recommendations to alter practice.
Click here for the Report

STATISTICS

Referral to treatment statistics (admitted patients, non-admitted patients and incomplete RTT times) March 2008 (29th May 2008)
Click here for Commissioner based 18 weeks
Click here for Provider based 18 weeks

NHS inpatient and outpatient waiting events, quarter ended 31 March 2008 and revised data for April 2007-December 2007 (30th May 2008)

NHS cancelled operations, quarter ending 31 March 2008 (30th May 2008)

NHS cancer waiting times figures, January to March 2008 (30th March 2008)

Patient safety incident reports in the NHS: National Reporting and Learning System Data Summary (May 2008)

Fall in lung cancer rates for males but not females (29th May 2008)

People in the South West most likely to reach 75 (29th May 2008)

Health Statistics Quarterly No. 38 Summer 2008 (29th May 2008)

Monthly Digest of Statistics - May (28th May 2008)

Statistics on Alcohol: England 2008 (22nd May 2008)
Click here for the Report
Click here for the Tables
Click here for the Feedback Form

Deaths involving MRSA and Clostridium difficile - new data series for individual institutions (22nd May 2008)