ABOUT THIS BULLETIN

This bulletin highlights recently produced documents that have appeared on websites. The aim is to trawl the web and produce a fortnightly review of what is found (coverage may not be comprehensive). If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this Bulletin, please send an email to library.pct@sthk.nhs.uk . All links are correct at time of publishing. Some documents are large and may take time to open so please be patient when waiting for links to open. If a link is incorrect please email me and I will correct the link and send you the document.

For those that are receiving this through an email or through a third party you can view the original Bulletin at http://www.newdocumentsbulletin.blogspot.com/ and also sign up to receive the Bulletin by RSS.

Due to annual leave, the next bulletin will be produced week commencing 9th March 2009

ALCOHOL

Using geodemographics to segment the market for hazardous and harmful drinkers in Cheshire and Merseyside (13th February 2009)

The Directors of Public Health across Cheshire and Merseyside have identified tackling the harm caused by alcohol as one of the priority areas for action across the sub-region. The objectives are:

• To assess hazardous and harmful drinking prevalence in primary care trusts across Cheshire and Merseyside
• To undertake analysis of the Target Group Index or equivalent sources of data against harmful and hazardous drinking cohorts across Cheshire and Meseryside
• To identify which population groups across Cheshire and Merseyside are at greatest risk of alcohol-related harm and the defining features of these groups

In response to these objectives, a series of profiles have been developed based around an existing geodemographic system produced by Experian (Mosaic). These are supplemented with existing consumer and regional public health data.

Document

ANNUAL REPORTS

Opportunities for Volunteering scheme: 2008 annual report (4th February 2009)

For 26 years, the Opportunities for Volunteering Scheme has provided resources and expertise to support volunteering in health and social settings. In 2007/2008, over 27,800 volunteering opportunities were created in 314 projects in all parts of England.
Annual Report

BULLETINS/NEWSLETTERS

Health Protection Report Vol. 3 No. 5 (6th February 2009)

Health Protection Report Vol. 3 No. 6 (13th February 2009)

Keeping Children Safe - Issue 6 (16th February 2009)

RCGP News February 2009 (February 2009)

Impact. Prescribing and Dispensing Newsletter February 2009 (February 2009)

Medical Directors' Bulletin, Issue 90, February 2009 (16th February 2009)

CARE/CARERS

Prospectus document for carers Demonstrator Sites (10th February 2009)

The prospectus invites expressions of interest from local authorities and PCTs who wish to be considered as demonstrator sites.
Prospectus

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE

Healthy lives, brighter futures - The strategy for children and young people's health (12th February 2009)

The joint strategy Healthy lives, brighter future: the strategy for children and young people’s health – published by Children’s Secretary Ed Balls and Health Secretary Alan Johnson – sets out for the first time what children and their families can expect from child health services in their areas from birth through to the age of 19. This strategy, aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of all children, inclues £340 million to support children with disabilities and their families.
Strategy and related documents

CLINICIANS

Clinicians and finance: Improving patient care (6th February 2009)

The Audit Commission (AC), Department of Health, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AMRC), Royal College of Nursing (RCN), NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement, and the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) are fully committed to supporting the involvement of clinicians in the business processes of their organisations. This statement reiterates why we believe clinical engagement in these processes – including their financial aspects – is important, what needs to be done and how we are supporting its achievement.
Statement

COMMISSIONING

Transforming respiratory and sleep diagnostic services to deliver 18 weeks - a Good Practice Guide (9th February 2009)
This guide supports the continued delivery of low wait planned care services associated with the 18 week target and the clinical visions outlined by each of the 10 SHAs in England as part of Lord Darzi’s Next Stage Review of the NHS. Including evidence and new pathways, it aims to help commissioners understand where respiratory and sleep services fit into their local strategy for clinical care and providers by suggesting innovative ways in which these services can be improved and delivered for the benefit of patients.
Guide

Guidance on the routine collection of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) (6th February 2009)
This document contains detailed guidance on the routine collection of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) for elective procedures from 1 April 2009 and is intended to support providers and PCT commissioners to implement the requirement to collect PROMs contained in the standard NHS contract for acute services.
Guidance

Compact Commissioning Guidance (9th February 2009)
New implementation guidance on commissioning has been published by the Commission for the Compact in response to local authorities and other public sector bodies increasingly commissioning third sector organisations to provide pubic services. The guidance takes a four stage approach to the commissioning process. It highlights the importance of effective analysis, planning, sourcing, and monitoring and review, and explains the ways in which the Compact can be applied during each of the stages.
Guidance

Never Events Framework 2009/10 (February 2009)
Never Events are serious, largely preventable patient safety incidents that should not occur if the available preventative measures have been implemented. The National Patient Safety Agency has worked with stakeholders to co-produce this Framework. It sets out guidance for PCT commissioners on implementing the Never Events policy and builds on existing processes and mechanisms.
Framework

Securing better health for children and young people through world class commissioning: a guide to support delivery of healthy lives, brighter futures: The strategy for children and young people's health (12th February)
This guide to commissioning will support commissioners in delivering the vision set out in the accompanying child health strategy, Healthy lives, brighter futures by (a) using the world class commissioning competencies and (b) aligning the commissioning cycles across agencies.
Guide

Commissioning IAPT for the whole community: Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (6th February 2009)
This document is intended to assist commissioners (including practice-based commissioners), to deliver Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services that are effective and appropriate for the whole community, using innovative ways of meeting the needs of local people.
Document

Conference: World Class Commissioning & Benchmarking (17th February 2009)
NHS PCC and NHS Benchmarking will hold a full day event to present the outcome of the new primary medical care benchmarking product and the benchmarking of world class commissioning competencies. The event will be of interest to PCT Board Directors, Primary care leads, Primary care commissioners and WCC commissioning leads. The event will take place in London on 26th March 2009.
Information

COMMUNITIES

Community health services: making a difference to local communities (5th February 2009)
Community health services, along with primary care, form the bedrock of services in the NHS, and make a valuable contribution to ensuring the health and well-being of society. This report looks at how community health services are making a difference to local communities, illustrated with case studies from the NHS.

Please note that you need to be a member of The NHS Confederation to access this report. To register please go here http://www.nhsconfed.org/membersarea/login/register_user.asp

Report

CONSULTATIONS

EU action to reduce health inequalities (17th February 2009)

A consultation has been launched to collect views on how the European Union can contribute to reducing health inequalities both within and between Member States. The closing date for comments is 1st April 2009.
Consultation

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Towards a framework for post-registration nursing careers: consultation response report (23rd January 2009)
This document reports on the findings from the post-registration nursing careers consultation, which took place from November 2007 to February 2008. The consultation proposed aligning nurses' careers within five broad pathways. The report discusses the emerging themes from the findings; and outlines the next steps for the work.
Consultation Response

DIET/NUTRITION

Public attitudes to food (10th February 2009)
The results of this survey of public attitudes towards food issues, which was commissioned by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), show that many people are confused over date labels, which could mean that some are taking risks by eating food that is past its ‘use by’ safety date.
Survey

Saturated fat campaign (10th February 2009)
The FSA has launched a public health campaign to raise awareness of the health risks of eating too much saturated fat. People in the UK eat on average 20% more saturated fat than the recommended maximum.
Press Release and campaign materials

DISEASES AND DISORDERS

Making a real impact on CVD (12th February 2009)

The presentations from this event, which was held at the Stobart Stadium, Widnes are now available for download from the Cheshire and Merseyside Public Health Network site (ChaMPs).
Presentations

DOCTORS

General Medical Council (GMC) Business Plan 2009 (10th February 2009)

The Business Plan 2009 has 10 priorities:

• Develop, promote and assure the quality of all aspects of basic medical education in the UK up to the point of full registration
• Promote and develop postgraduate medical education and training in the UK, through joint work with PMETB
  
• Enhance assurance that licensed doctors are up to date and fit to practise by introducing licences to practice and preparing for revalidation
• Encourage and support doctors in the delivery of high quality healthcare by providing accessible, up to date guidance on standards and ethics
• Support high quality healthcare by ensuring a co-ordinated approach to education and training across all phases of a doctor's career
• Safeguard patients by ensuring the integrity and accessibility of the List of Registered Medical Practitioners
• Enhance patient safety by dealing fairly and effectively with doctors whose fitness to practice may be impaired
• Ensure that medical regulation is responsive, targeted and evidence-based by enhancing and developing a comprehensive research programme
• Develop further and implement the strategy for valuing diversity and promoting equality in all aspects of their work
• Enhance their economy, efficiency and effectiveness

Business Plan

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

How to be a lifeline for a friend experiencing domestic abuse (9th February 2009)
The Home Secretary launched a new leaflet with information on how to support a friend or relative who is in a violent relationship. Practical tips in the leaflet include:

• finding out about the services available so that the person affected can make informed choices
• agreeing a code word or action so they can let you know if they are in danger
• making sure you also have the support you need in order to support them.

Leaflet

DRUGS

MDMA (Ecstasy): A review of its harms and classification under the misuse of drugs act 1971 (11th February 2009)
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) considers that a review of MDMA would be timely given:

• there is a greater body of scientific evidence now available since the ACMD's last advice to Ministers
• the further information available on current use
• the length of time since the ACMD last provided advice to Ministers

Review

FOUNDATION TRUSTS

Government's response to the Health Committee Report into Foundation trusts and Monitor (13th February 2009)

This Command Paper responds to the conclusions and recommendations of the Health Committee's Report into NHS Foundation Trusts and Monitor published on 17 October 2008.
Government's Response
Health Committee Report

GENERAL PRACTICE

GP referral incentive schemes, January 2009 (2nd February 2009)

In a new document, the British Medical Association (BMA’s) GP Committee offers GPs in England guidance on referral demand management and analysis schemes.

The main conclusions from the guidance are:

• When developed in partnership with doctors, referral management schemes can provide benefits to patients by allowing GPs to discuss non-urgent cases with their colleagues. This can result in patients being offered an alternative course of treatment and GP practices identifying services they can develop for the benefit of their patients. As practices would incur extra costs by taking part in these schemes it is acceptable for them to receive some extra funding.
• It is not acceptable for practices/groups of practices to receive funding or payments for schemes that provide specific financial rewards for reducing referral numbers or costs to certain levels or by certain amounts. These types of target based schemes could result in a perverse incentive to reduce referrals.

Guidance

The Salaried GPs Handbook 2009 (12th February 2009)
This handbook will be sent to all BMA salaried GP members week commencing 23rd February 2009. The Handbook is designed to give employers and employees comprehensive information on the legal and contractual issues facing salaried GPs. A electronic version of the handbook is available for all members now.
Handbook

HEALTH

Piloting Personal Health Budgets (17th February 2009)
This is the impact assessment for Personal Health Budgets: First Steps, which sets out the principles of personal health budgets, reports on early lessons and invites expressions of interest in the pilot programme.
Impact Assessment

HEALTHCARE COMMISSION

Spotlight on complaints 2009: a report on second-stage complaints about the NHS in England (16th February 2009)

This Healthcare Commission report says that some NHS trusts are still not responding to complaints effectively or learning lessons from them. The commission has made 12 key recommendations to all NHS trusts to improve the way they resolve complaints in the new two-tier complaints handling system which will replace the current three-tier procedure from 1st April 2009.
Report

Actions speak louder (12th February 2009)

The Healthcare Commission and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation (HMI Probation) published this report looking at healthcare services delivered by local Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) in the community and when young people move into and out of custody. Findings from the report include:

• Health assessments of young offenders or those likely to offend, frequently did not contain all relevant health information and young people often did not receive the healthcare they needed.
• The health needs of a young person can affect how they are sentenced.
• 70% of young people in custody with substance misuse problems had appropriate planned support, suggesting that 30% did not.
• Of the YOTs inspected, only two did not meet the statutory requirement of having a PCT health representative on local YOT management boards, however 16% of health representatives did not always attend board meetings and 12% did not contribute sufficiently.
• Ten per cent of the YOTs inspected did not provide sufficient and appropriate healthcare to young people following release from custody
• Primary care trusts did not provide adequate resources in almost half of the YOTs inspected.

Report

Commissioning healthcare in prisons (12th February 2009)
The results of joint work between the Healthcare Commission and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons in 2007/08 - This report gives the findings from the inspections of prisons during 2007/08 relating to the delivery of healthcare and the management of substance misuse. It gives recommendations for primary care trusts on how to improve services.
Report

INFECTION CONTROL

Infection Control Minimum Standards (4th February 2009)
These are the minimum standards that the Royal College of Nursing and the Infection Control Nurses' Association believe should be accepted and mandated by Government, the relevant UK departments of health and, where applicable, all independent health care organisations.
Standards

MENTAL HEALTH

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards: A guide for hospitals and care homes (12th February 2009)

The following guidance is for PCTs, local authorities, hospitals and care homes to support them understand and fulfill their statutory obligations under the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards legislation.
Guide for Hospitals and Care Homes
Guide for Primary Care Trusts and Local Authorities
Guide for relevant person's representatives

NHS

From ward to board. Identifying good practice in the business of caring (February 2009)

What role do nurse executives play in helping boards to engage with clinical quality issues? A programme of work in partnership with the Burdett Trust for Nursing explores this role and offers insight for nurse executives and board members.
Document

NICE

Latest Implementation Tools (11th February 2009)
Tools to aid implementation of recently published NICE guidance.

Medicines adherence: costing tool and slide set

Personality disorders - borderline: costing tool and slide set

Personality disorders - antisocial: costing tool and slide set

Metastatic spinal cord compression: audit support and implementation advice

Machine versus cold (static) storage of donated kidneys: costing tool and audit support

Promotion of physical activity in children: costing tool

Autologous blood injection for tendinopathy: audit support

PATIENT EXPERIENCE

Understanding and responding to patients' experiences (10th February 2009)

This conference, held by Dr Foster on 5th February 2009, aimed to bring together nursing and other frontline teams involved in patient experience to give them a chance to share best practice and network with peers. The presentations are now available for download.
Presentations

PAYMENT BY RESULTS

Confirmation of Payment by Results (PbR) arrangements for 2009-10 (5th February 2009)

From the links below, you will be able to access information and guidance in support of Payment by Results in 2009-10.
Information and Guidance

PHARMACY

NICE Clinical Guideline 76: Medicines Adherence - Quick reference sheet for pharmacists (11th February 2009)

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain has developed Implementation Guidance to enable pharmacists to help patients understand why and how to take their medicines. The NICE guidance on Medicines Adherence is particulary relevant to pharmacists as they interact with patients in the context of prescribing, dispensing or medicine reviews.
Quick Reference Sheet

Pharmacy Practice: Medicines focussed and patient centred (17th February 2009)
The first ever Pharmacy Practice Framework has been published by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society outlining the many roles and functions which pharmacists are responsible and accountable for in their daily professional lives.
Framework

Repeat dispensing guidance (5th February 2009)
NHS Employers, the General Practitioners Committee and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee have produced joint on-line guidance for practices, to support the implementation of repeat dispensing.
Guidance

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Be active, be healthy: a plan for getting the nation moving (11th February 2009)
Be active, be healthy establishes a new framework for the delivery of physical activity alongside sport for the period leading up to the London 2012 Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and beyond. Programmes outlined in the plan will contribute to Government’s ambition of getting 2 million more people active by 2012 and have been designed to leave a lasting legacy from the Games. The plan also publishes the NHS costs of physical inactivity for every PCT in England, averaging £5 million per PCT every year – almost 1000 hip replacements per PCT.
Guidance

POVERTY

In-work Poverty: a systematic review (4th February 2009)
This report presents the findings of a systematic review of the evidence base relating to working poor families with dependent children. The review aims to increase understanding of research in this area and produce findings that will help inform future policy and research. The systematic review was conducted in two stages.
Review

Data use in voluntary and community organisations (6th February 2009)
This study assesses the need and demand within voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) for relevant, analysed and well-presented data to support their work tackling poverty.

The poverty agenda has shifted away from ‘top-down’ action by central government towards the engagement of local voluntary and community organisations. As small, independent groups with their own ideas about tackling poverty, VCOs represent a powerful, ‘bottom-up’ approach.

Financial support for VCOs increasingly depends on evidence of need and success against outcomes. This report considers:

• how VCOs use data to support their work;
• what data VCOs find most useful;
• what obstacles there are to accessing data.

Report

Ending child poverty in a changing economy (18th February 2009)
Despite tough times ahead, there is still political consensus around the goal to end child poverty. Based on new projections taking account of the recession, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has updated its assessment of what it will take to meet the government targets to halve child poverty by 2010 and eradicate it by 2020.
Summary

PRIMARY CARE

Practitioners with Special Interest (PwSI) Guidance (4th February 2009)

A series of 18 new and updated guides for practitioners with special interests (PwSIs) in general practice and pharmacy is now available from NHS Primary Care Contracting. Further guides are also expected to appear shortly.
Guides

Primary Medical Services (Directed Enhanced Services) (England) (Amendment) Directions 2009 (5th February 2009)

The Primary Medical Services (Directed Enhanced Services) (Amendment) (England) Directions 2009 were signed on 29 January 2009 and make changes to, but do not replace, the existing Primary Medical Services (Directed Enhanced Services) (England) Directions 2008. They introduce five new clinical directed enhanced services:

• Alcohol
• Ethnicity and first language recording
• Learning difficulties
• Heart failure
• Osteoporosis

Directions
Learning disability DES guidance

PRIMARY CARE TRUSTS

Transfers from Personal Dental Services (PDS) to General Dental Services (GDS) (5th February 2009)

This briefing note, from NHS Primary Care Contracting, has been prepared in response to queries from PCTs about handling transfers from PDS to GDS where the contractor is exercising his or her right to transfer under Regulation 21, Part 6 of the NHS (Personal Dental Services Agreements) Regulations 2005.
Briefing

PRISONS/PRISON HEALTH

Too Little Too Late: an independent review of unmet mental health need in prison (4th February 2009)
This report, published by the Prison Reform Trust, draws on information and evidence provided by the Independent Monitoring Boards of 57 prisons. The report reveals that many people who should have been diverted into mental health or social care from police stations or courts are entering prisons which are ill equipped to meet their needs and then being discharged back into the community with any support.
Report
Summary

PUBLIC SERVICES

Comprehensive Area Assessment (Framework Document) (10th February 2009)
Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) is the new framework for the independent assessment of local public services in England. This document, from the Audit Commission, sets out how CAA will be delivered from April 2009. CAA provides an independent assessment of how well people are being served by their local public services. It focuses on how well these services, working together, are achieving improvement and progressing towards long-term goals.
Document

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Guidance for R & D annual reports 2009: guidance for completion of annual reports on the performance management and future planning of R & D activity within NHS organisations (4th February 2009)

The submission of an annual report remains a contractual requirement for all recipients of Transitional R and D Funding. This guidance is to help organisations write their annual report and improve the data returned.
Guidance

SCREENING

Mapping out the consequences of screening blood donations for PrPSc (17th February 2009)

This report sets out the implications of testing blood donations for abnormal prion protein, which indicate infection with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD).
Report

SOCIAL CARE

Putting people first: Equality and Diversity Matters 3. Achieving disability equality in social care services (10th February 2009)
This bulletin is the third in a series of three designed to help service providers meet the personalisation agenda in social care by addressing equality and diversity matters. This bulletin focuses on achieving disability equality in social care services. Whilst this bulletin is primarily written to assist social care providers, it may also be of interest to commissioners of adult care services and people using services.
Bulletin

STATISTICS

Annual measles figures for 2008 (6th February 2009)

Accident & 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 2008 (13th February 2009)
A & E Attendances
Admissions from A & E
Total Time in A & E

Diagnostics waiting times and activity data: month ending 31 December 2008 (11th February 2009)

Direct Access Audiology waiting times, November 2008 (11th February 2009)

Labour market statistics - February 2009 (11th February 2009)

Labour market statistics - North West (11th February 2009)

Personal Social Services Expenditure and Unit Costs: England 2007 - 08 (10th February 2009)

GP Extended Opening Hours, January 2009 (10th February 2009)

Dental Commissioning Monitoring, October to December 2008 (9th February 2009)

Road Casualties in Great Britain: Provisional Estimates Q3 2008 (5th February 2009)

Statistics of Mentally Disordered Offenders 2007 (5th February 2009)

Lung cancer incidence projections to 2024: future rates and numbers of new cases in Great Britain and the UK (17th February 2009)

STROKE

Stroke: Act F.A.S.T. awareness campaign (9th February 2009)
The Stroke: Act F.A.S.T. awareness campaign aims to educate healthcare professionals and the public on the signs of stroke and that prompt emergency treatment can reduce the risk of death and disability.
Campaign materials

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Saving Carbon, Improving Health (30th January 2009)
The NHS Carbon Reduction Strategy for England sets an ambition for the NHS to help drive change towards a low carbon society. The strategy shows the scale of reduction in carbon required for the NHS to progress towards the Climate Change Act requirements and recommends key actions for the NHS to become a leading sustainable and low carbon organisation.
Strategy

ABOUT THIS BULLETIN

This bulletin highlights recently produced documents that have appeared on websites. The aim is to trawl the web and produce a fortnightly review of what is found (coverage may not be comprehensive). If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this Bulletin, please send an email to library.pct@sthk.nhs.uk . All links are correct at time of publishing. Some documents are large and may take time to open so please be patient when waiting for links to open. If a link is incorrect please email me and I will correct the link and send you the document.

For those that are receiving this through an email or through a third party you can view the original Bulletin at http://www.newdocumentsbulletin.blogspot.com/ and also sign up to receive the Bulletin by RSS.

ALCOHOL

Opinions on the impact of alcohol on individuals and communities: early summary findings from the NorthWest Big Drink Debate. Appendix with additional supporting material (2nd February 2009)
This is the Appendix with additional supporting material from the 'Opinions on the impact of alcohol on individuals and communities: early summary findings from the North West Big Drink Debate' which was published in December 2008.
Appendix

Opinions on the impact of alcohol on individuals and communities: early summary findings from the North West Big Drink Debate. Appendix B: Analysis at local authority level (2nd February 2009)
This is Appendix B:Analysis at local authority level from the 'Opinions on the impact of alcohol on individuals and communities: early summary findings from the North West Big Drink Debate' which was published in December 2008.
Appendix B

BULLETINS/NEWSLETTERS

Health Protection Report Vol. 3 No. 3 (23rd January 2009)

Health Protection Report Vol. 3 No. 4 (30th January 2009)

Telecare LIN eNewsletter January 2009 (3rd February 2009)

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE

Summary of a research study of Raleigh's work with disadvantaged young people (2nd February 2009)

Raleigh is a youth development organisation that runs overseas expeditions for young people to work together on community, environmental and conservation projects around the world.

In 2008, ippr was commissioned by Raleigh to research the long-term impact of Raleigh’s work with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. This research had two key objectives:

1. To provide Raleigh with feedback on its work with disadvantaged young people over the past 25 years
2. To provide a case study of a practical intervention which has broader lessons for policymakers and practitioners concerned with improving young people’s lives.

Report
Executive Summary

A Good Childhood (2nd February 2009)
This inquiry report, from The Children's Society, says that most of the obstacles children face today are linked to the belief among adults that the prime duty of the individual is to make the most of their own life, rather than contribute to the good of others. The inquiry received evidence from over 30,000 children, adults and professionals and undertook a comprehensive review of all the available research. It looked at seven aspects of childhood:

• Family
• Friends
• Lifestyle
• Values
• Schooling
• Mental Health
• Inequalities

Report
Summary for Children and Young People

Preventing Childhood Deaths - Supplementary Survey 2008 (January 2009)
A short questionnaire regarding the prevention of childhood deaths was sent to all LSCBs in England in January 2008. This questionnaire was identical to that used in October 2006, with the addition of specific questions relating to collaboration with neighbouring authorities, and on appointment of lead paediatricians for unexpected child deaths.

Findings from the questionnaire returns were compared with those returned in October 2006. This questionnaire was followed up, with those LSCBs indicating a willingness to participate, with two audits - one relating to the rapid response process and one to the child death overview panels.

The main study was published in June 2008.
Survey

COMMISSIONING

Provision of services for adults with tinnitus: a good practice guide (28th January 2009)
Further to the publication of 'Improving Access to Audiology Services in England' in March 2007, this document provides good practice and evidence to help commissioners and service providers to make changes to the way that adult tinnitus services are delivered, and in particular to reduce waits for patients with the most common hearing difficulties.
Guidance

Planning for pandemic influenza in social care (23rd January 2009)
The aim of this guidance is to equip local authorities and other social care organisations with the tools and resources needed to plan for and meet the challenges presented by pandemic influenza.
Guidance

Provision of adult balance services: a good practice guide (28th January 2009)
Further to the publication in March 2007 of 'Improving access to audiology services in England', this document provides good practice and evidence to help commissioners and service providers to make changes to the way that adult balance services are delivered, and in particular to reduce waits for patients with the most common hearing difficulties.
Guidance

Primary care and community services: improving dental access, quality and oral health (27th January 2009)
This is one of a series of guides to help primary care trusts become world class commissioners of primary care and community services.
Guidance

Primary care and community services: improving GP services (27th January 2009)
This is one of a series of guides to help primary care trusts become world class commissioners of primary care and community services.
Guidance

COMMUNITY SAFETY

Tired of Hanging Around (28th January 2009)
This study focuses on the role of sport and leisure activities in preventing anti-social behaviour in young people aged 8 to 19 years. These activities are part of the actions that councils and their partners can use to tackle and prevent anti-social behaviour. This study recognises, but does not cover, local agencies' work with families and young children or the role of schools in helping to prevent or address anti-social behaviour.
Report
Summary
Scrutiny Tool
Accompanying materials

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Consultation response and analysis: National Dementia Strategy (3rd February 2009)
This document gives feedback regarding the responses received on the 'Transforming the quality of dementia care: a consultation on a National Dementia Strategy' Consultation.
Consultation Response

CONSULTATIONS

Fairer Contributions Guidance: A consultation on the extension and revision of the statutory guidance for charging for non-residential social services in relation to personal budgets (26th January 2009)
The aim of the new guidance is to provide councils with a system for calculating how much a person should contribute to their personal budget. It has been produced as a companion to the existing Fairer Charging guidance. Closing date for comments is 19th April 2009.
Consultation

Common Assessment Framework for Adults: A consultation on proposals to improve information sharing around multi-disciplinary assessment and care planning (21st January 2009)
This consultation focuses on care and support for adults and on assisting the continued development of personalisation by helping people to choose services better suited to their needs. Closing date for comments is 17th April 2009.
Consultation

Young People and Alcohol Guidance (29th January 2009)

The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families has launched a consultation on alcohol guidance, advice and information for parents, children and young people. Closing date for comments is 23rd April 2009.
Consultation

Ending Child Poverty: Making it happen (28th January 2009)
The Government wants to provide children and young people with the best start in life and break cycles of deprivation for good. Prior to the introduction of a child poverty Bill in 2009, the Government is consulting on legislative proposals. Closing date for comments is 11th March 2009.
Consultation

DENTAL

Dental National Decontamination Survey (29th January 2009)
This letter from Mr Barry Cockcroft, Chief Dental Officer for England, highlights a national survey the Department of Health is undertaking which looks at how the current quality of decontamination of surgical instruments in primary care dental services can be imporved.
Letter

Independent review of NHS dentistry (3rd February 2009)
An independent team to help improve access for patients who want to see an NHS dentist is currently undertaking an extensive review of NHS dentistry, and they want you to have your say. The independent review team is being led by Professor Jimmy Steele, Chair in Oral Health Services Research at the School of Dental Sciences in Newcastle and he and his team are looking for as many people to become involvd in the review as possible.
Information

DISABILITIES

Update on disabled children's national indicator (28th January 2009)

The government has published an updated briefing and the timetable for its development on the national indicator for disabled children's services (National Indicator 54 - NI54). The indicator will look at parental experience of services for disabled children and young people aged 0-19 and the extent to which these services are delivered according to 'core offer' standards. A draft version of the main stage questionnaire can be accessed here.

Briefing

DISEASES AND DISORDERS

Hepatitis C: quick reference guide for primary care (28th January 2009)
Concise information and good practice advice about hepatitis C testing and diagnosis for use by doctors and nurses in primary care, including a testing and diagnosis flowchart.
Guidance

Perceptions of patients and professionals on rheumatoid arthritis care (22nd January 2009)

A report by the King's Fund says that GPs are too slow ro refer patients with arthritis to specialist care. The main finding says clinicians and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) believe that many GPS remain insufficiently aware of the indicators that may suggest RA or the importance of early referral to specialist care for rapid aggressive therapy to prevent damage to joints. The report highlights inconsistencies, poor GP knowledge and "underlying uncertainty" about managing flares which are experienced by 90% of patients and concludes that medical education should play a role in increasing the awareness of future GPs about RA.
Report

DRUGS

Cannabis reclassification and the associated penalties (26th January 2009)

The government decided to reclassify cannabis from Class C to Class B because repeated cannabis use can have serious consequences for mental health.
Information

HEALTH PROTECTION

Increase in Meningococcal type B infections in England (23rd January 2009)
The Health Protection Agency reported that there has been an increase in meningococcal group B (MenB) infections in late December 2008 and early January of this years for England. There have been 252 cases of MenB reported in the last four weeks in December and first two weeks of January compared to 198 for the same period the year before.

HEALTHCARE

Across the Pond - Lessons from the US on Integrated Healthcare (21st January 2009)

This report, by Richard Gleave, combines first-hand observations of how integrated care operates ‘across the pond’ in the United States, with suggested lessons for the UK’s health system. These lessons are important for policy-makers and for health and social care managers.
Report

HEALTHCARE COMMISSION

Improving services for substance misuse - Diversity and inpatient and residential rehabilitation services (29th January 2009)
A report released today by the Healthcare Commission and the National Treatment Agency (NTA) shows how well local areas are meeting the needs of diverse communities and people who require inpatient or residential drug treatment.

The review covered each of the 149 local drug partnerships in England, where drug treatment is commissioned and managed by representatives from primary care trusts, local authorities, the police and the probation service.

Findings reveal widespread good practice with 15% of local drug partnerships rated as "excellent" and 72% "good" overall. Thirteen percent were rated "fair" and no partnerships had an overall score of "weak".
Document
Further information

IMMUNISATION

Acceleration of the HPV vaccination catch-up campaign (30th January 2009)
Further guidance on the acceleration of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination catch-up campaign was sent to PCT Immunisation Coordinators on 30 January. The Department of Health is encouraging PCTs to deliver the remainder of the catch-up programme earlier than originally planned.
Guidance

INCAPACITY BENEFIT

Pathways to Work from incapacity benefits: A review of research findings on referral practices and liaison with service providers (22nd January 2009)
This working paper presents a review of research findings on the topic of referrals and working relationships between Jobcentre Plus and other organisations and practitioners helping people with health problems and disabilities. This review was conducted in order to draw together and synthesise what was already known about the process of referring incapacity benefits recipients to specialist service provision. The review draws on a selection of qualitative studies completed earlier in the Pathways evaluation, and other published reports on a range of disability employment services.
Paper

INFECTION CONTROL

The Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice for the NHS on the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections and related guidance (23rd January 2008)
This Code comes into force on 1st April 2009 and sets out how the Care Quality Commission will assess compliance with the requirements set out in the Regulations made under section 20(5) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
Guidance

INFORMATION SHARING

ContactPoint (26th January 2009)

ContactPoint is an online directory enabling authorised staff to have access to demographic data on every child in the country. It will also give the name and address of any professional working with them. The database has been criticised by some children's campaigners and civil liberties groups but backed by others children's organisation and the Royal College of GPs and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. It is said that it will be a vital tool to help safeguard children, helping to ensure that the right agencies are involved at the right time and that children do not slip through the net.
Information

LEADERSHIP

Inspiring Leadership for Quality - The Approach (24th January 2009)
'Inspiring leaders: leadership for quality' is the first national guidance on talent and leadership plnning for the NHS. This letter outlines the support available from the National Leadership council.
Letter

LEGISLATION

Delivering High Quality Impact Assessments (30th January 2009)

Government is committed to conducting formal impact assessments of the need for and likely impact of new regulations. A National Audit Office report has found that scrutiny of proposed legislation is strengthening and that the standard is better than it was, but one fifth of assessments still did not include any quantified data to assess costs or benefits.

The Better Regulation Executive (BRE) has introduced new guidance, templates and training to improve the quality of impact assessments and, as a result, impact assessments have clearer presentation of results, better planning for implementation, and more quantification of costs and benefits.
Report
Executive Summary

LOCAL AUTHORITY/GOVERNMENT

The Credit Crunch and Regeneration: Impact and Implications (30th January 2008)
There has been much successful regeneration across England during the past decade. But the picture has been changing during the past year as a result of the international credit crunch and economic downturn. This study assesses what the effect has been, what might happen next, and what the key implications are for partners involved in regeneration.
Report

MENTAL HEALTH

Living well with dementia: A National Dementia Strategy (3rd February 2009)
This strategy provides a strategic framework within which local services can:

• deliver quality improvements to dementia services and address health inequalities relating to dementia;
• provide advice and guidance and support for health and social care commissioners and providers in the planning, development and monitoring of services; and
• provide a guide to the content of high-quality services for dementia.

Strategy

Adult Psychiatric Morbidity in England, 2007 results of a household survey (27th January 2009)
Nearly one in four people (23.0%) in England had at least one psychiatric disorder in 2007 according to a survey report published today by the NHS Information Centre for health and social care and conducted by NatCen (National Centre for Social Research) in collaboration with the University of Leicester. 7.2% of people had two or more disorders.

The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) series is the only source of data on the national prevalence of both treated and untreated psychiatric disorder in the English general population.
Report

MIGRATION

Empowering Birmingham's migrant and refugee community organisations (2nd February 2009)

An exploration of how migrant and refugee community organisations (MRCOs) can be supported and trained to collect evidence from their communities that will help influence policy and service provision.

The role of MRCOs in providing support and guidance to new arrivals is well acknowledged. However, they also lack the resources and capacity to engage in consultation and influencing processes to help shape the ways in which services are provided for the communities they represent. This report explores the support offered to community leaders in a range of MRCOs in the West Midlands and examines the scope of capacity building work to:

• develop the skills of MRCO leaders to engage in, and shape, the research agenda;
• develop relationships with policymakers and service providers;
• engage in policy debate and influence strategy and service provision.

The report explores the barriers and constraints to success and makes recommendations aimed at helping to shape future initiatives.
Report

NHS

Launch of the Cooperation and Competition Panel (28th January 2009)

The Cooperation and Competition Panel will be operational at the end of January. The Secretary of State is establishing the Panel to compliment the role of SHAs and provide advice as to compliance with the overarching rules in individual cases.
Information and website

Personal health budgets: first steps (28th January 2009)
Lord Darzi announced in High Quality Care for All that the Department will launch a pilot of personal health budgets in 2009, as a way of giving people greater control over the services they use and who provides them. Personal Health Budgets: First Steps sets out the principles of personal health budgets, reports on early lessons and invites expressions of interest in the pilot programme.
Guidance and other information

NHS Pay Modernisation in England: Agenda for Change (29th January 2009)
According to a National Audit Office report, the NHS has successfully transferred 1.1 million NHS employees on to a new simplified pay system. Given the scale of the NHS this was a substantial task which the NHS, in partnership with the trade unions, achieved in a short timescale. There are some examples of NHS trusts using Agenda for Change to help introduce new roles. But the Department of Health did not put enough emphasis on getting trusts to develop these new ways of working to secure the full benefits from the new pay system, so the programme is not yet achieving the intended value for money.

A key element of Agenda for Change, the Knowledge and Skills Framework and effective use of the Framework is fundamental to achieving the full benefits of Agenda for Change.
Report
Executive Summary
Census of NHS Trusts

NICE

Antisocial personality disorder: treatment, management and prevention. Clinical Guideline CG77 (28th January 2009)
Antisocial personality disorder is the name given to a condition that affects a person's thoughts, emotions and behaviour. Antisocial means behaving in a way that is disruptive to, and may be harmful to, other people. The advice in the NICE guideline covers:

• The care, treatment and support that people with antisocial personality disorder and their families or carers should be offered
• The care and treatment that children with conduct problems and their families or carers should be offered.

Clinical Guideline

Autologous blood injection for tendinopathy. Interventional Procedure Guidance IPG279 (28th January 2009)
Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon - the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones - which may occur through overuse. In this treatment, blood is taken from the patient (which is sometimes treated in the laboratory) and then re-injected around the affected tendon to supply growth factors that initiate healing.
IP Guidance

Borderline personality disorder: treatment and management. Clinical Guideline CG78 (28th January 2009)
This guideline covers:

• The care, treatment and support that people with borderline personality disorder should be offered.

Clinical Guideline

Functional electrical stimulation for drop foot of central neurological origin. Interventional Procedure IPG27 (28th January 2009)
Drop foot is the inability to lift the foot and toes when walking. It can result from conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. Functional electrical stimulation involves stimulation of the peripheral nerves that supply the paralysed muscle using electrodes that may be implanted or placed on the surface of the skin. The aim is to restore muscular function.
IP Guidance

Cochlear implants for severe to profound deafness in children and adults. Technology Appraisal TA166 (28th January 2009)
A cochlear implant in one ear is recommended as a possible option for everyone with severe to profound deafness if they do not get enough benefit from hearing aids after trying them for 3 months. Cochlear implants in both ears are recommended for the following groups with severe to profound deafness only if they do not get enough benefit from hearing aids after trying them for 3 months and the implants are placed during the same operation:

• children
• adults who are blind or have other disabilities which mean that they depend upon hearing sounds for spatial awareness.

Technology Appraisal

Infracoccygeal sacropexy using mesh for uterine prolapse repair. Interventional Procedure IPG280 (28th January 2009)
NICE was notified of various procedures for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. NICE asked the Review Body for Interventional Procedures to undertake a systematic review of these procedures.The Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee (IPAC) considered the systematic review and have also produced guidance on: infracoccygeal sacropexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair, sacrocolpopexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair, sacrocolpopexy using mesh for uterine prolapse repair and insertion of uterine suspension sling (including sacrohysteropexy) using mesh for uterine prolapse repair.

Uterine prolapse occurs when the womb (uterus) slips down from its normal position into the vagina. Infracoccygeal sacropexy is an operation that involves the insertion of a piece of material (mesh) with the aim of holding the womb in place.
IP Guidance

Infracoccygeal sacropexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair. Interventional Procedure IPG281 (28th January 2009)
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on infracoccygeal sacropexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair .

It replaces the previous guidance on posterior infracoccygeal sacropexy for vaginal vault prolapse (Interventional Procedures Guidance no. 125, May 2005).

Vaginal vault prolapse occurs in wome with previous surgical removal of the womb when the upper vaginal wall slips down from its normal position down into the vaginal canal or outside of the vagina. Infracoccygeal sacropexy is an operation that involves the insertion of a piece of material (mesh) with the aim of holding the vaginal vault in place.
IP Guidance

Insertion of mesh uterine suspension sling (including sacrohysteropexy) for uterine prolapse repair. Interventional Procedure IPG282 (28th January 2009)
NICE was notified of various procedures for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. NICE asked the Review Body for Interventional Procedures to undertake a systematic review of these procedures.The Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee (IPAC) considered the systematic review and have also produced guidance on: sacrocolpopexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair, sacrocolpopexy using mesh for uterine prolapse repair, infracoccygeal sacropexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair and infracoccygeal sacropexy using mesh for uterine prolapse repair.

Uterine prolapse occurs when the womb slips down from its normal position into the vagina. Uterine suspension sling involves an operation to insert a piece of material (mesh) with the aim of holding the womb in place.
IP Guidance

Sacrocolpopexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair. Interventional Procedure IPG283 (28th January 2009)
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on sacrocolpopexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair.

It replaces the previous guidance on mesh sacrocolpopexy for vaginal vault prolapse (Interventional Procedures Guidance no. 215, March 2007).

Vaginal vault prolapse occurs when organs above or around the vagina slip down from their normal position. Sacrocolpopexy is an operation that aims to provide support for the pelvic organs in their natural position. This is achieved by attaching a piece of material (mesh), usually from the top and back of the vagina, to a ligament of the lower back bone.
IP Guidance

Sacrocolpopexy with hysterectomy using mesh for uterine prolapse repair. Interventional Procedure IPG284 (28th January 2009)
NICE was notified of various procedures for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. NICE asked the Review Body for Interventional Procedures to undertake a systematic review of these procedures.The Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee (IPAC) considered the systematic review and have also produced guidance on: sacrocolpopexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair, infracoccygeal sacropexy using mesh for vaginal vault prolapse repair, infracoccygeal sacropexy using mesh for uterine prolapse repair and insertion of uterine suspension sling (including sacrohysteropexy) using mesh for uterine prolapse repair.

Uterine prolapse occurs when the womb (uterus) slips down from its normal position into the vagina. Sacrocolpopexy is an operation involving the insertion of a piece of material (mesh) with the aim of holding the pelvic organs in place, following surgical removal of the womb.
IP Guidance

Medicines adherence: involving patients in decisions about prescribed medicines and supporting adherence. Clinical Guideline CG76 (28th January 2009)
This guidance is about enabling patients to make informed choices by involving and supporting them in decisions about prescribed medicines. It explains guidance (advice) from NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) to the NHS in England and Wales.
Clinical Guideline

Machine perfusion systems and cold static storage of kidneys from deceased donors. Technology Appraisal TA165 (28th January 2009)

The following methods are recommended for storing kidneys from donors who have died:

• machine perfusion using the LifePort kidney transporter
• cold static storage using Belzer UW storage solution or Marshall's hypertonic citrate solution

The choice of storage method should be based on:

• the expertise and equipment available to the teams collecting the kidney
• how the teams are organised, and
• the distances involved

Technology Appraisal

Promoting physical activity, active play and sport for pre-school and school-age children and young people in family, pre-school, school and community settings. Publich Health Guidance PH17 (28th January 2009)
This guidance is for all those who have a direct or indirect role in - and responsibility for - promoting physical activity for children and young people. It complements and supports, but does not replace, NICE guidance on obesity, physical activity, physical activity and the environment, depression among children and young people and social and emotional wellbeing in schools.
PH Guidance

Ultrasound-guided regional nerve block. Interventional Procedure IPG285 (28th January 2009)
There are a number of conditions for which regional anaesthesia to allow surgery is required for a specific part of the body. This technique aims to provide accurate placement of local anaesthetic by using ultrasound guidance to position needles that deliver the local anaesthetic in the correct place next to the nerves.
IP Guidance

Thoracoscopic epicardial radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. Interventional Procedure IPG286 (28th January 2009)
Atrial fibrillation is a condition that affects the heart, causing an irregular pulse. It occurs when the electrical impulses controlling the heartbeat become disorganised, so that the heart beats irregularly and too fast. When this happens, the heart cannot efficiently pump blood around the body. This may cause symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness and fainting. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of blood clots and stroke. In thoracoscopic epicardial radiofrequency ablation, selected areas of the heart are destroyed using heat, with the aim of preventing the occurrence or conduction of abnormal electrical activity. The procedure is done through small incisions in the chest and using a camera.
IP Guidance

Quitting smoking in pregnancy and following childbirth - draft scope consultation (23rd January 2009)
NICE is developing public health intervention guidance: How to stop smoking in pregnancy and following childbirth. Closing date for comments is 20th February 2009.
Consultation

Interventional procedure overview of tenotomy of horizontal eye muscles for nystagmus (with reattachment at their original insertions) (interventional procedures second consultation) (27th January 2009)
Nystagmus is the involuntary movement of the eyes (most commonly from side to side) and is usually associated with impaired vision. Tenotomy involves cutting the horizontal muscles of the eye (which move the eye from side to side) and reattaching them at the same place. The aim of the procedure is to improve vision. Closing date for comments is 24th February 2009.
Consultation

Percutaneous endoscopic laser lumbar discectomy (interventional procedures consultation) (27th January 2009)
Symptomatic lumbar disc prolapse occurs when a disc at the lower end of the back bursts and pushes against spinal nerves. This may cause pain in the back or legs, and weakness and numbness in the legs. The aim of a percutaneous endoscopic laser lumbar discectomy is to remove the part of the disc that is pushing against the spinal nerve root. A small cut is made in the skin and a small flexible camera is inserted though the cut. This allows use of special equipment including a laser to heat and destroy some of the disc and remove its protruding part. Closing date for comments is 24th February 2009.
Consultation

Transmyocardial laser revascularisation for refractory angina pectoris (interventional procedures consultation) (27th January 2009)
Patients with refractory angina pectoris have chest pain (because of insufficient oxygen delivery to their heart muscle) that cannot be controlled by optimal medical or surgical management. Transmyocardial laser revascularisation involves open heart surgery to drill holes on the heart muscle using a laser beam, with the aim of enabling blood flow from the heart chambers into the heart muscle, to relieve myocardial ischaemia and reduce chest pain. Closing date for comments is 24th February 2009.
Consultation

Percutaneous laser revascularisation for refractory angina pectoris (interventional procedures consulation) (27th January 2009)
Patients with refractory angina pectoris have chest pain (because of insufficient oxygen delivery to their heart muscle) that cannot be controlled by optimal medical or surgical management. Percutaneous laser revascularisation involves insertion of a catheter into major vessels of the groin, which is advanced to the heart, to drill holes on the heart muscle using a laser beam. The aim is to enable blood flow from the heart chambers into the heart muscle, to relieve myocardial ischaemia and reduce chest pain. Closing date for comments is 24th February 2009.
Consultation

How to put NICE guidance into practice and improve the health and well being of communities: practical steps for local authorities (28th February 2009)
Following two stakeholder workshops in May of this year, NICE has developed a “How to” guide to implementation that aims to support Local Authorities with the implementation of NICE guidance. This guide was launched at the NICE conference in December 2008. The guide is split into 3 parts:

Part 1 discusses getting started with the process of implementation of NICE Guidance
Part 2 outlines the principles of implementation of NICE guidance
Part 3 discusses the practical steps to implementation of NICE guidance

Feedback is welcomed by 11th February 2009.
Guide

Head and neck cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) - cetuximab (appraisal consultation document) (29th January 2009)
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 cetuximab for the treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. Closing date for comments is 19th February 2009.
Consultation

Promoting mental wellbeing at work: consultation on the evidence, January 2009 (29th January 2009)
The aim of this consultation is to enable stakeholders to consider the evidence gathered and to provide the opportunity to comment, in particular on:

• major gaps in the evidence gathered, including papers in the published literature that we have not been able to identify
• queries around the interpretation of the evidence, both of single studies and the reviewed material as a whole
• the applicability of the evidence and its usefulness for the development of guidance
• issues relating to equality
• issues relating to cost-effectiveness

Closing dte for comments is 26th February 2009.
Consultation

Multiple myeloma - lenalidomide: appraisal consultation document 2 (29th January 2009)
The Appraisal Committee has had its second meeting following consultation on the first appraisal consultation document, to consider the updated analysis submitted by the manufacturer. It also considered 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 lenalidomide. Closing date for comments is 20th February 2009.
Consultation

NHS Evidence: draft accreditation process manual public consultation (2nd February 2009)
This draft ‘Process manual for accrediting producers of guidance and recommendations for practice: a guide for producers and stakeholders’ describes the process for accrediting producers of guidance and recommendations for practice. It provides details on the scope for accreditation and what types of guidance producers are accredited, the criteria used to perform the accreditation assessment, the main steps in the process for reaching an accreditation decision and the notification and publication process of an accreditation decision. Closing date for comments is 1st May 2009.
Consultation

Epilepsy (update): scope consultation (3rd February 2009)
NICE have been asked to develop a clinical practice guideline on Epilepsy for use in the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The draft scope defines what aspects of care the guideline will cover and to whom it will apply. Registered stakeholders for the Epilepsy (update) guideline are invited to submit comments on the scope and may suggest clinical questions that could be answered in the guideline. Closing date for comments is 2nd March 2009.
Consultation