28 October 2009

ABOUT THIS BLOG

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

Supermarket Scandal: Super-cheap Alcohol sales in the North West (22nd October 2009)
The findings of a mystery shopper survey, conducted by Our Life, show that cheap supermarket alcohol deals are contributing to the increase in alcohol related harm in the North West.
Press Release
Report

BULLETINS/NEWSLETTERS

FSA News No. 91 October 2009 (14th October 2009)




GP and Practice Team Bulletin, Issue 88, October 2009 (15th October 2009)

Medical directors' bulletin, Issue 97, October 2009 (22nd October 2009)

CARE/CARERS

Report of the Standing Commission on Carers 2007 to 2009 (20th October 2009)
The Standing Commission on Carers has published its first annual report, Carers at the heart of 21st century families and communities – work in progress. The report concludes the first stage of the Commission’s work (2007 to 2009) and highlights progress made against the main themes of the national Carers Strategy. It sets out future challenges and opportunities, and contains a number of recommendations and suggestions for the Government, delivery partners and the next phase of the Commission.
Report

Training care home staff to use Talking Mats with people who have dementia (27th October 2009)
It can be difficult for carers and people with dementia to communicate. In recognition of this, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) funded the development and delivery of a project in 2008/2009 that would train care home staff across the UK to use Talking Mats. This system, complete with a textured mat and visual symbols, helps people with communications difficulties to interact.

This paper highlights key findings from the project, including:
  • Confident staff who had management support were more likely to do well in training and implement new practice
  • Training of this kind is more effective when delivered to a group of staff in one care home
  • Talking Mats can benefit people at all stages of dementia, but it is still especially difficult to interact with residents in the later stages of the disease
Summary

Charging for residential care: the property disregard and partners under 60 (27th October 2009)
Letter seeking views on the proposal to amend the 1992 regulations to reflect the longstanding policy and practice of disregarding property where a partner aged under 60 continues to reside in the family home.
Letter and draft regulations

CARE QUALITY COMMISSION

Guidance on qualified first aiders (26th October 2009)
The national minimum standards require first aiders to be available at all times in care homes. But instead the Care Quality Commission allow care homes to be flexible by tailoring the aid to the needs of the people who use the service. A risk assessment which includes:
  • the needs of people who use your service
  • how likely, it is that first aid will be needed
  • what kind of first aid will be required
should be carried out. If a risk assessment is not performed, then first aid must be provided at all times from staff with suitable first aid qualifications.
Guidance

NHS Performance ratings 2008/09 (15th October 2009)
The Care Quality Commission have published the performance ratings, also known as the 'annual health check' for all 392 NHS trusts in England.

Although there have been big improvements for patients, there are concerns that 20 trusts have rated weak on quality and some trusts have rated fair over a number of years without improving.
Press Release
Ratings

Managing patients' medicines after discharge from hospital (27th October 2009)
The Care Quality Commission has published findings from its visits to 12 Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and the survey results of 280 GP practices on how well patients' medication is managed after leaving hospital.

Although there is some evidence of good practice, the following concerns were raised:
  • Information shared about patients moving between GPs and hospitals is often patchy, incomplete and not shared quickly enough
  • GP patient records are not always updated by clinical staff
  • Too few patients are offered discussions with their GP about managing their medication
  • GPs are not consistently reporting medication incidents and errors, and PCTs are not always monitoring them
Press Release
Report, self-assessment tool and study reports

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE

Fabricated or Induced Illness by Carers (FII): A Practical Guide for Paediatricians (October 2009)
This 2nd edition of the 2002 document has been written by a group of experienced doctors from adult and child psychiatry, the Department of Health and lay representatives. The document has been produced by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health for paediatricians, however it will useful to health professional from many backgrounds.
Document


Associations between childhood bereavement and children's background, experiences and outcomes (26th October 2009)
This report, from the National Children's Bureau (NCB), conducted on behalf of the Childhood Bereavement Network (CBN) has found that children bereaved of a parent, sibling or close friend are more likely than other children to have experienced a range of difficult events in their lives.
Press Release
Full Report
Summary

Healthy Child Programme: the two year review (27th October 2009)
The two year review aims to optimise child development and emotional wellbeing, and to reduce inequalities.. It provides practitioners, particularly health visitors, with information and tools to use with parents.
Review


Healthy Child Programme: pregnancy and the first five years of life (27th October 2009)
The Healthy Child Programme for the early life stages focuses on a universal preventative service, providing families with a programme of screening, immunisation, health and development reviews, supplemented by advice around health, wellbeing and parenting.

This document supersedes the Updated Child Health Promotion Programme which was published March 2008.
Guidance


Healthy Child Programme from 5 to 19 years old (27th October 2009)
The Healthy Child Programme (HCP) from 5 to 19 year olds sets out the recommended framework of universal and progressive services for children and young people to promote optimal health and wellbeing. It outlines suggested roles and responsibilities for commissioners, health, education, local authority and other partners to encourage the development of high-quality services. As the Operating framework for the NHS in England 2009/10 sets out, PCTs will want to review the transparency of their service offer in line with Healthy lives, brighter futures and local priorities, and this may include the HCP.
Guidance

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Children's trusts: A briefing paper on improving financial management (23rd October 2009)
Jointly produced by the Audit Commission and CIPFA, 'Children's trusts' provides practical guidance on improving financial management in children's trusts. The document supports the Audit Commissions national report 'Are we there yet?', presenting the findings of research into the progress local councils and their partners are making in developing children's trusts.
Paper

COMMISSIONING

World class commissioning - an introduction (15th October 2009)
World class commissioning is about delivering better health and wellbeing for the population, improving health outcomes and reducing health inequalities. In partnership with local government, practice based commissioners and others, Primary Care Trusts (PCTs),supported by Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs), will lead the NHS in turning the world class commissioning vision into a reality, adding life to years and years to life.

This guide provides a brief introduction to world class commissioning.
Guide

World class commissioning: October update (14th October 2009)
Monthly progress report on the world class commissioning programme.
Update

British Dental Association's Independent Local Commissioning Working Group Report (13th October 2009)
This report, commissioned by the British Dental Association (BDA) in response to the varied experience throughout the country, looked at planning priorities, current use of creative commissioning and future commissioning plans.
Report

COMMUNITIES

Communities for Health: unlocking the energy within communities to improve health (21st October 2009)
The Communities for Health Programme exemplifies the increasing role local government plays in supporting health improvement and reducing health inequalities. This second report includes community activities in over 80 local authorities aimed at encouraging behaviour change and strengthening local partnership to tackle a wide range of key health priorities.
Document

Building Cohesive Communities: What frontline staff and community activists need to know (14th October 2009)
This is a short practical guide for busy activists and frontline staff working on community cohesion. The guide is based on current research and practical experience of the authors. Topics included are:
  • Promoting interaction between people and groups
  • Developing effective community leadership
  • Tackling local attitudes, perception and myths
  • Developing the role of young people
Guide

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

The Health Professions (Hearing Aid Dispensers) Order 2009: consultation report, September 2009 (22nd October 2009)
The Health Professions (Hearing Aid Dispensers) Order 2009 was published in draft for consultation between 7 April and 7 July 2009. To view a copy of the final version of the draft order following the consultation process, which has now been laid before Parliament but is subject to debate in both Houses, please visit www.opsi.gov.uk. These documents provide information on the outcome of that consultation.
Consultation Responses

CONSULTATIONS

Direct payment for health care: a consultation on proposals for regulations and guidance (23rd October 2009)
This consultation seeks views on the Government's proposals for piloting direct payments for health care. This is part of the wider pilot programme to explore personal health budgets announced in High Quality Care For All.

Closing date for comments is 8th January 2010.
Consultation

General Pharmaceutical Council (Constitution) Order 2009: a paper for consultation (27th October 2009)
The draft General Pharmaceutical Council (Constitution) Order sets out the proposed constitution of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the new regulator for pharmacy professionals and pharmacy premises in England, Wales and Scotland. The GPhC will be established on the making of the Pharmacy Order 2009 by the Privy Council.

Closing date for comments is 25th November 2009.
Consultation

DENTAL

The Oral Health Atlas (September 2009)
This book, available online, was released by the FDI World Dental Federation to mark the annual World Oral Health Day which took place on 12th September 2009. It illustrates oral health globally,highlights oral health as a neglected area of health for individuals and health systems and suggests realistic individual and population-wide solutions.
Book

DIET/NUTRITION

Healthier Food Mark: Promoting healthier, more sustainable food - draft criteria to be tested during Phase 1 of the pre-consultation pilot (14th October 2009)
This scheme concerns the establishment of a voluntary Healthier Food Mark in the public sector so that public sector food reaches a standard to make a positive contribution to a nutritionally balanced diet and improves the sustainability of public sector food procurement

The first draft of the criteria was presented to stakeholders at the event on 30 April 2009. Further to feedback from that event and more detailed discussions with the food industry, public sector organisations and other stakeholders, a revised proposed and potential list of criteria has been developed for testing during Phase 1 of the pre-consultation pilot.
Document

Snack Right. Using social marketing to achieve healthier food choices in the under fives (27th October 2009)
In response to social marketing references in the White Paper Choosing Health: Making healthy choices easier, Cheshire and Merseyside's directors of public health established a social marketing group with the objectives of:
  • Testing social marketing by delivering a project around food that addressed growing concerns about obesity;
  • Developing capacity and capability in social marketing in Cheshire and Merseyside
This report looks at the project of Snack Right that arose from this.
Final Report

DRUGS

Shooting Up: Infections among injecting drug users in the United Kingdom 2008. An update: 2009 (23rd October 2009)
This report presents available data on the extent and trends over time of infections among injecting drug users (IDUs) in the UK up to the end of 2008. It includes data on the more severe bacterial infections affecting IDUs, on available markers of HIV and viral hepatitis prevalence and incidence, and on associated risk and protective behaviours.
Report

ELDERLY/OLDER PEOPLE

Creating a stronger information, advice and advocacy system for older people (19th October 2009)
The adult social care system needs to ensure older people get the information, advice and advocacy services they need to remain independent.

This Solutions paper highlights recent work in Newcastle by the Quality of Life Partnership that's developed ways of working with existing systems to make them more 'older person friendly', efficient, and effective for all concerned. Lessons learnt include:
  • Invest in processes so that older people have a variety of ways of sharing their views and experiences.
  • Persuade local partners that information and advice is not an add-on to the day job. It is the day job.
  • Understand that partnership working is much more difficult, complex and time-consuming than working in isolation.
  • Realise that some issues may need to be addressed across all age groups.
Summary

Ageing and Well-being in an International Context (16th October 2009)
This report opens up the policy debates surrounding population ageing beyond the traditional realm of healthcare and pensions. It explores how the well-being of older people can be incorporated into four other areas: relationships, work, learning and the built environment. These were all identified in the first phase of the Institute for Public Policy Research's (ippr’s) Politics of Ageing project as important drivers of well-being.

This paper provides examples of policies and programmes that have been successful in other countries. The aim is that these case studies will inspire new responses to ageing in the UK.
Report

Policies for Peace of Mind? Devolution and older age in the UK (12th October 2009)
This paper considers the changing landscape of policy and practice for older people since 2000 and how this varies across the four countries of the United Kingdom. The authors reflect on UK Government reforms over this period as well as the early choices made by the devolved administrations, which have varying powers.
Report

EMERGENCY CARE

Emergency Services Review (21st October 2009)
The Emergency Services Review was commissioned by the strategic health authorities and has completed its work to undertake a review of recent performance and support the identification and adoption of best practice. The Emergency Care Intensive Support Team, established by the review, is now supporting the implementation of this guidance, hosting events and supporting organisations to deliver the outcomes outlined in the documents. The aim of this work has been to ensure that local health economies continue to provide resilient, sustainable and integrated emergency and urgent care arrangements. The ESR Team have issued a series of supporting best practice documentation, guides and toolkits.
Documents

EQUALITY

Age Equality in Health and Social Care (22nd October 2009)
In April 2009, the then Secretary of State for Health asked Sir Ian Carruthers OBE, Chief Executive of NHS South West, and Jan Ormondroyd, Chief Executive of Bristol City Council, to undertake a review of age discrimination and age equality in the health and social care sector.

This is the report of that review. The Government intends to publish and consult on its response to the review’s recommendations in December of this year. This will take place in parallel with consultation on a resource pack designed to support implementation.
Report

Trans research review. Research Report 27 (21st October 2009)
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has today launched a new review of evidence that captures the experiences and challenges facing transgender people in Britain.

The Trans Research Review highlights that some transgender people experience transphobia including bullying and discriminatory treatment in schools, harassment and physical/sexual assault and rejection from families, work colleagues and friends.
Report

Equality impact assessment: summary tool and guidance for policy makers (published 18th November 2008 updated 27th October 2009)
Equality impact assessment (EqIA) is the process by which the DH seeks to meet its legal requirements in conjunction with the DH Single Equality Scheme (SES) and to narrow the health inequalities that exist in England between people from different ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, men and women (including transgendered people), people with different sexual orientations, people in different age groups, people with different religions or beliefs and people from differing social and economic groups.
Summary tool

GUIDANCE/GUIDELINES

Getting it right for children and families (14th October 2009)
This guide is for health visitors and their teams, provider managers, commissioners and educationalists. It sets out the contribution that health visitors and teams can make to health and wellbeing and public health.
Guidance

A Resource for Developing Sexual Assault Referral Centres (27th October 2009)
Published jointly by the Department of Health, Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers this guide replaces the National Services Guidelines for Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and Getting Started.

It highlights the minimum elements essential for providing high-quality SARCs for victims of sexual violence and sexual abuse, including forensic medical examination
Guidance

LEARNING DISABILITIES

Good Learning Disability Partnership Boards: Making it happen for everyone (21st October 2009)
In Valuing People Now (2009) the Department of Health undertook to publish a range of guidance for Learning Disability Partnership Boards to assist them in delivering on the goals set out in the strategy. The good practice guidance, ‘Good Learning Disability Partnership Boards: ‘Making it happen for everyone’ was launched at the NCAS (National Children and Adult Services) conference on 21 October.

This guide gives best practice examples from around the country and is based on the evidence that the most effective Partnership Boards are those:
  • with strong links to other local boards and work programmes;
  • where there is delegated or shared financial and commissioning responsibility; and
  • where there is meaningful representation of people with learning disabilities and family carers from all local communities
Guidance

LOCAL AUTHORITY/GOVERNMENT

A summary of changes to direct payments (19th October 2009)
From 9 November 2009 there will be important changes to the Direct Payments scheme. New regulations will extend the scheme to people who lack the capacity to consent, and to people with mental health problems who are subject to mental health and certain criminal justice legislation. Guidance for councils on direct payments has been updated to reflect these changes. This leaflet sets out these changes and explains where you can find more information.
Leaflet

Use of resources in adult social care: a guide for local authorities (15th October 2009)
This guide is to stimulate discussion and debate for local authorities on how to commission and shape services for tomorrow by making best use of resources. We encourage every local authority to learn from each other about how to take this innovation forward and spread best practice around the country.
Guide

MATERNITY/MIDWIFERY

Vitamin supplementation in pregnancy (SAC Opinion Paper 16) (19th October 2009)
The scope of this paper, from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, is to examine the evidence for supplementation with vitamins in pregnancy within the UK; it will not elaborate on their use in low- and middle-income countries in which other health benefits might occur.
Paper

Location, Location, Location. Making choice of place of birth a reality (26th October 2009)
Offering women choice of where to give birth is government policy across the UK as it is proven to have a positive effect on birth outcome. However this report, published by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), has found that over 95% of women in the UK are not able to choose where to give birth.
Press Release
Final Report and related documents

MENTAL HEALTH

Absent without leave: definitions of escape and abscond (21st October 2009)
Definitions of escape, attempted escape, abscond and failure to return in secure mental health services.
Guidance

NHS

The Government's response to the Health Select Committee's report on the use of management consultants in the NHS and the Department of Health (22nd October 2009)
This Command Paper sets out the Government's response to the House of Commons Health Select Committee's report on the use of management consultants by the NHS and the Department of Health.
Response

Protecting the NHS in relation to patient mobility and cross-border healthcare: Draft regulations and guidance (21st October 2009)
Case law from the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on patient mobility under Article 49 of the EU Treaty means that patients are able to seek any healthcare (including private care) in another European Economic Area (EEA) Member State, and, as long as they are entitled to the treatment in question under their home healthcare system, they are eligible to have their costs reimbursed. For patients travelling from the UK, this reimbursement can be up to the level of the cost for the same treatment provided in the UK under the NHS. Any additional costs must be met by the individual.

Patients from EEA countries can likewise pay to receive NHS treatment and claim reimbursement from their home health system.
Draft Guidance and Regulations

Survey on 48 hour week Working Time Directive readiness (19th October 2009)
The objective in conducting this survey was to review the readiness of NHS trusts for the introduction of the European Working Time Directive 48 hour working week in August 2009. This document was commissioned by DH in November 2008 and represented data collected in January 2009.
Report

NHS as the preferred provider (13th October 2009)
The Secretary of State’s recent speech at the King’s Fund focused on putting quality at the core of the NHS. He assured ‘the NHS is our preferred provider’. This letter shares with NHS Chief Executives how the Department of Health propose to move this policy forward through the development of future guidance.
Letter

Delivering Same-Sex Accommodation (DSSA): principles (28th October 2009)
Seventeen principles have been developed to ensure each organisation delivers the highest standards of privacy and dignity within all areas of a hospital, other trusts and providers. The principles support existing DSSA policy and guidance and aim to further clarify DSSA clinical definitions amongst leaders and staff within the NHS. It is intended for the principles to be used in conjunction with other guidance to drive forward improvement and ensure sustainability within each organisation.
Guidance

NICE

New database to inform prioritisation of European cancer research (20th October 2009)
A 'Database of Cancer Uncertainties' (DoCU) went live on the NICE website today. The database will collate details of the major gaps in evidence which are identified during guidance development. These evidence gaps can then be promoted as research priorities to prospective research funders.

The database has been developed as a pilot project by NICE, as part of the CoCanCPG (Coordination of Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines in Europe). CoCanCPG is a consortium of 16 institutional partners from 11 countries.
Database

What do you think about the NICE website? (27th October 2009)
As part of their continuing programme of evaluation and development, NICE are currently consulting with health service and local government professionals, patients, carers and the public to find out what they think of the NICE website.

The survey is available online until 15th November 2009.
Survey


Neuropathic pain - pharmacological management: guideline consultation (14th October 2009)

A clinical practice guideline on Neuropathic pain is being developed for use in the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Registered stakeholders for this guideline are invited to comment on the provisional recommendations via this website.

Closing date for comments is 11th November 2009

Consultation

Prevention of cardiovascular disease: additional evidence consultation (14th October 2009)
NICE was asked by the Department of Health (DH) to develop public health programme guidance on preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in different populations.

All registered stakeholders are now invited to comment on the economic analysis and additional evidence that has been assembled to inform the development of this guidance. This will be used by the Programme Development Group (PDG) to develop recommendations.

Closing date for comments is 16th November 2009.
Consultation

Prevention of cardiovascular disease: consultation on the draft guidance (15th October 2009)
NICE are consulting on the draft guidance ‘prevention of cardiovascular disease at the population level’. In particular, they are interested in the views of stakeholders on recommendations 3, 4 and 5 (on salt, saturated fats and trans fats). They are interested in views on:
  • Whether a figure for a lower target for salt intake could or should be identified at this stage
  • Whether an even lower saturated fat intake is achievable
  • The potential impact of a ban on industrial trans fats on cardiovascular disease in general and particularly the potential effects on existing inequalities in health.
NICE also welcome comments about other recommendations and sections of the guidance. Closing date for comments is 16th November 2009.
Consultation

Rheumatoid arthritis - certolizumab pegol: appraisal consultation (20th October 2009)
This appraisal consultation on Rheumatoid arthritis - certolizumab pegol, is open for comments until 10th November 2009. All registered stakeholders are invited to comment.
Consultation

Breast cancer (advanced or metastatic) - lapatinib: appraisal consultation document (21st October 2009)
The Department of Health and the Welsh Assembly Government have asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to produce guidance on using lapatinib for the treatment of women with previously treated advanced or metastatic breast cancer in the NHS in England and Wales. The Appraisal Committee has considered the evidence submitted by the manufacturer and the views of non-manufacturer consultees and commentators, and clinical specialists and patient experts.

Closing date for comments is 11th November 2009.
Consultation

Cytoreduction surgery followed by hyperthermic intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis (interventional procedures consultation) (21st October 2009)
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is examining cytoreduction surgery followed by hyperthermic intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis and will publish guidance on its safety and efficacy to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. NICE’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 cytoreduction surgery followed by hyperthermic intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Closing date for comments is 18th November 2009.
Consultation

Therapeutic endoscopic division of epidural adhesions (interventional procedures consultation) (21st October 2009)
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is examining therapeutic endoscopic division of epidural adhesions and will publish guidance on its safety and efficacy to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. NICE’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 therapeutic endoscopic division of epidural adhesions.

Closing date for comments is 18th November 2009.
Consultation

Surgical correction of hallux valgus using minimal access techniques (interventional procedures consultation) (21st October 2009)
Hallux valgus is a deformity of the big toe. The big toe tilts outwards, crowding the smaller toes, and a bony lump (called a bunion) appears on the inside of the foot.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is examining surgical correction of hallux valgus using minimal access techniques and will publish guidance on its safety and efficacy to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. NICE’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 surgical correction of hallux valgus using minimal access techniques.

Closing date for comments is 18th November 2009.
Consultation

Selective internal radiation therapy for colorectal metastases in the liver (interventional procedures consultation) (21st October 2009)
Colorectal liver metastasis is cancer that has spread to the liver from the bowel. Selective internal radiation therapy (known as SIRT) uses radiation put into the patient’s liver to kill the cancer cells. Tiny radioactive ‘beads’ are injected into the artery that supplies blood to the liver (the hepatic artery). The beads become trapped (embolise) in the tiny blood vessels surrounding the cancer, releasing radiation directly onto it. The treatment may be repeated.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is examining selective internal radiation therapy for colorectal metastases in the liver and will publish guidance on its safety and efficacy to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. NICE’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 selective internal radiation therapy for colorectal metastases in the liver.

Closing date for comments is 18th November 2009.
Consultation

Prosthetic intervertebral disc replacement in the cervical spine (interventional procedures consultation)(21st October 2009)
Bulging of a disc (called herniation) in the neck occurs when one or more of the spinal discs between the bones in the neck bursts and pushes against the spinal cord or nerve roots that run through the backbone. This herniation can cause pain in the neck, or pain, weakness and numbness in the arms and legs.

This procedure involves replacing damaged discs in the neck with artificial ones designed to act like natural neck discs.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is examining prosthetic intervertebral disc replacement in the cervical spine and will publish guidance on its safety and efficacy to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. NICE’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 prosthetic intervertebral disc replacement in the cervical spine.

Closing date for comments is 18th November 2009.
Consultation

Venous thromboembolism - reducing the risk: pre-publication check (22nd October 2009)
Following two consultation periods on the provisional recommendations, the National Clinical Guidelines Centre for Acute and Chronic Conditions (NCGC) and the Guideline Development Group (GDG) for Venous thromboembolism – reducing the risk, have considered and responded to stakeholder comments and amended the draft guideline.

The revised full guideline is now available on the web for a pre-publication check of factual errors. This is still draft guidance and has not been sent out to the NHS. The pre-publication check is not an additional consultation or an opportunity to reopen arguments and issues highlighted during consultation on the draft guidelines. The GDG will already have considered these issues in forming the recommendations contained in the draft for the pre-publication check.

Registered stakeholders for this guideline are invited to report any factual errors in the guideline by 11th November 2009.
Pre-publication check

Weight management in pregnancy: consultation on the evidence (22nd October 2009)
NICE was asked by the Department of Health (DH) to develop guidance on ‘Dietary interventions and physical activity interventions for weight management in pregnancy’.

All registered stakeholders are now invited to comment on the evidence that has been assembled to inform the development of this guidance. This evidence will be used by the Public Health Interventions Advisory Committee (PHIAC) to develop draft recommendations. The evidence comprises a review of effectiveness an economic analysis.

Closing date for comments is 19th November 2009.
Consultation

Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in children: guideline consultation (22nd October 2009)
A clinical practice guideline on Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia in children is being developed for use in the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Registered stakeholders for this guideline are invited to comment on the provisional recommendations.

Closing date for comments is 17th December 2009.
Consultation

Strategies to prevent unintentional injuries among under 15s: consultation on the evidence (26th October 2009)
NICE was asked by the Department of Health (DH) to ‘Prepare public health programme guidance on the prevention of unintentional injury in children under 15’.

All registered stakeholders are now invited to comment on the evidence that has been assembled to inform the development of this guidance. This evidence is used by the Programme Development Group (PDG) to develop draft recommendations.

Closing date for comments is 23rd November 2009.
Consultation

Technology Appraisal TA182. Prasugrel for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes with percutaneous coronary intervention (28th October 2009)
Prasugrel in combination with aspirin is recommended as an option for preventing blockages in the arteries of people with acute coronary syndromes who are having a treatment called percutaneous coronary intervention only when:
  • immediate percutaneous coronary intervention is necessary to treat an ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (a type of heart attack) or
  • a blood clot has blocked a stent (a small mesh-like tube inserted into an artery to keep it open) during treatment with a drug called clopidogrel or
  • the patient has diabetes mellitus.
Guideline

Technology Appraisal TA183. Topotecan for the treatment of recurrent carcinoma of the cervix (28th October 2009)
Topotecan in combination with cisplatin is recommended as a possible treatment for women with recurrent or stage IVB cervical cancer only if they have not received cisplatin before. Healthcare professionals should not stop prescribing topotecan for women who have received cisplatin before and who were already taking topotecan with cisplatin when the guidance was issued. These women should be able to carry on taking topotecan until they and their healthcare professionals decide that it is the right time to stop treatment.
Guideline


Clinical Guideline CG90. Depression: the treatment and management of depression in adults (update) (28th October 2009)
This guideline is published alongside ‘Depression in adults with a chronic physical health problem: treatment and management’ (NICE clinical guideline 91), which makes recommendations on the identification, treatment and management of depression in adults aged 18 years and older who also have a chronic physical health problem.
Guideline


Clinical Guideline CG91. The treatment and management of depression in adults with chronic physical health problems (partial update of CG23)
This guideline is published alongside ‘Depression: the treatment and management of depression in adults (update)’ (NICE clinical guideline 90), which makes recommendations on the identification, treatment and management of depression in adults aged 18 years and older, in primary and secondary care.

This guideline (and CG90) update recommendations made in NICE technology appraisal guidance 97 for the treatment of depression only. The guidance in TA97 remains unchanged for the use of CCBT in the treatment of panic and phobia and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Guideline

NURSING

Integrated core career and competence framework for registered nurses (16th October 2009)
The Royal College of Nursing has launched a career and competence framework which brings together the core and specific dimensions of the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) that are relevant to nursing.

Integrated core career and competence framework for registered nurses has been written to help nurses and health care assistants guide their own development. It will also help to capture evidence to support the development of KSF profiles, demonstrate readiness for career progression and support ongoing registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Document

OBESITY

Childhood Obesity National Support Team (CONST) (26th October 2009)
The Department of Health now have a new section on their website dedicated to childhood obesity, which as well as giving information on the support team also has useful tools, resources and links.
Website

OVERSEAS PATIENTS

Provisional Replacement Certificates (12th October 2009)
Overseas visitors receiving clinically necessary treatment who fail to provide an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), should be asked to obtain a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) from the appropriate liaison body in the competent member state. A PRC provides the same access to free treatment as if it was an EHIC. PRC details should also be recorded and reported for a claim to be made.
Publication

Leaflets on the EHIC, healthcare entitlement for EEA and non-EEA visitors and hospital treatment for non-resident UK citizens (19th October 2009)
These leaflets are part of a suite of information for Overseas Visitor Managers in support of the new arrangements by which NHS Trusts should record and report treatments (including planned treatments) of visitors from the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Leaflets

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA

Local authority social care pandemic flu self-assessment survey (23rd October 2009)
Letter inviting local authorities to participate in a social care self-assessment survey. The self-assessment template is also available for download.
Letter and Template

Swine flu: guidance for planners (22nd October 2009)
The Department of Health and the Cabinet Office have today published new guidance to support pandemic planners based on the latest science and understanding of the swine flu virus. The latest evidence indicates that the pandemic may peak at a lower rate than we originally thought, but does not suggest that their should be any change to our response in terms of ensuring the NHS and social care organisations are as prepared and resilient as possible for the winter months.
Guidance


H1N1 swine flu vaccination programme 2009-2010: repackaging packs of vaccine for onward distribution (21st October 2009)
Letter and protocol from the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer so support repackaging under pharmaceutical supervision.
Letter and Protocol

A (H1N1) swine influenza: social care worker vaccination programme update (15th October 2009)
Information to help Directors of Adult Social Services in vaccination planning.
Information

How to order swine flu vaccine and collect vaccine uptake data (published 8th October 2009 new to website 16th October 2009)
Letter describing the ordering and data collection processes and also a template of contact details for vaccine uptake data.
Letter and template

The H1N1 swine flu vaccination programme 2009-2010 (15th October 2009)
Letter providing information for clinicians to assist them in delivering the swine flu vaccination programme.
Letter


A (H1N1) swine influenza: vaccination programme update (15th October 2009)
A letter from Ian Dalton, National Director of NHS Flu Resilience, to NHS Chief Executives, providing further information on the swine flu vaccination programme.
Letter


Antiviral prophylaxis: guidance on the use of prophylaxis with antiviral medicines during the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic (15th October 2009)
This guidance sets out the circumstances in which it may be appropriate to offer a course of prophylactic antiviral medicine to patients with a serious underlying medical condition or who are pregnant during the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic.
Guidance

Stock Management System training manuals (27th October 2009)
The Stock Management System (SMS) provides the DH and the NHS Users with an effective tool to manage the distribution of antivirals to PCTs and collection points in the event of a pandemic. It will provide stock level information, reports and the ability to record issuance from GP prescribed antiviral information, along with the management of full issuance from the collection point via the NPFS system.

These training manuals are to provide guidance to users of the Stock Management System for antivirals.
Manuals

PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Children, Schools and Families Committee - Appointment of the Children's Commissioner for England - Eighth Report of Session 2008-09 (19th October 2009)
Vol. I
Vol. II




PARTNERSHIPS

Innovative partnerships: foundation trusts embracing social enterprises (15th October 2009)
This publication, from The NHS Confederation, explains what social enterprises are and why foundation trusts should collaborate with or set up social enterprises.
Publication

PATIENT AND PUBLIC INFORMATION

Swine flu vaccination: what you need to know (22nd October 2009)
Information for the public about the swine flu vaccination.
Booklet

PHARMACY

Guidance on Patient Record Confidentiality (26th October 2009)
A toolkit to help community pharmacies meet their legal and professional requirements to ensure the confidentiality and security of patient data has been developed collaboratively by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB), the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC), the Department of Health and NHS Connecting for Health.
Press Release

PRACTITIONERS

Knowing what you do works. Measuring your own effectiveness with families, parents and children: a short guide (27th October 2009)
This short guide is designed to help individual workers and whole services understand the terms and issues within the act of measuring and, better still, how to go about it. It is a practical resource that includes the following topics:
  • pre and post measuring
  • reliability and validity
  • finding the right tools for the job
  • ethical and practical issues
  • information technology and measurement tools
  • helping families to answer the questions
  • what not to do
Guide

PRIMARY CARE TRUSTS

Reviewing patients who have waited longer than 18 weeks (21st October 2009)
As set out in David Flory's Quarter 4 2008-09 report, PCTs need to understand and act upon the reasons for any unnecessary waits over 18 weeks. This guidance suggests methods for reviewing and reporting waits longer than 18 weeks in order to understand the causes of unnecessary waits, and to drive further improvements in patient experience.
Guidance

Creating a performance management framework for a minimal alcohol data set for PCTs in Cheshire and Merseyside (23rd October 2009)
This is a report on a project to develop a performance management framework which can provide a minimal dataset to be collected on a range of alcohol-related issues across the Cheshire and Merseyside sub-region.
Report

PRISONS/PRISON HEALTH

High Impact Changes in Offender settings: Interim Report (15th October 2009)
This report summarises the developments so far with the two health training offender health Identification and Brief Advice (IBA) training the trainer pilots which are being run in Eastern Region Prisons and South Central Probation.

The final report is due March 2010.
Report

PUBLIC HEALTH

EVENT - What works for worklessness? Sharing good practice from across the public health community (13th October 2009)
The presentations from this event that was held at the Stobart Stadium, Widnes are now available to download.
Programme
Combined Presentations

RISK MANAGEMENT

Joint Statement: How compliance with NICE guidance can help you manage risk and optimise your resources (27th October 2009)
This joint statement from the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) and NICE explains how complying with NICE guidance can help organisations manage risk and also optimise their resources. Criterion 5.8 of the NHSLA risk management standards focus on compliance with NICE guidance and the NHSLA have added some new questions and answers to their frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help organisations achieve the requirements.
Joint Statement
FAQ

SEXUAL HEALTH

Top Tips for Sexual Health Promotion (26th October 2009)
This guide is the fourth in a series of "Top Tips" documents aimed at promoting public health. The top tips provide a common sense approach to sexual health issues with practical suggestions that will make a positive difference both at home and in the workplace.
Summary

SOCIAL CARE

Social Care TV. Better knowledge for better practice (21st October 2009)
Social Care TV is a new online channel for everyone involved in the social care sector, from managers to front-line staff, trainers to people who use care services.

As part of the Social Care Institute for Excellence’s (SCIE) family of resources, Social Care TV brings to life the work and lives of people involved in all aspects of the social care sector, through a series of short films and links to multi-media and e-learning resources. This site offers access to video based training resources and general interest programmes, reflecting the issues, challenges and rewards in current social care practice.
Website

Visualising Putting People First (20th October 2009)
Launched at the annual National Children's and Adult Services conference in Harrogate in October 2009, these three films provide a useful resource that are informative, will introduce, explain and visualise some of the key themes within 'Putting People First'.
Videos

STATISTICS

Mortality target monitoring: update to include data for 2008 (14th October 2009)

NHS Maternity Statistics, 2008-09: Headline tables (27th October 2009)

United Kingdom Health Statistics 2009 update (27th October 2009)

Monthly Digest of Statistics - October 2009 (26th October 2009)



Crime in England and Wales: Quarterly report - Quarterly update to June 2009 (22nd October 2009)

Cervical Screening Programme, England 2008-09 (22nd October 2009)

Annual report on fuel poverty statistics 2009 (21st October 2009)

Interim Life Tables 2006-2008 (21st October 2009)
United Kingdom
Great Britain
England


Period and cohort life expectancy tables - 2008 based (21st October 2009)


NHS Contraception Services, England: 2008-09 (20th October 2009)


18 Weeks Referral to Treatment Statistics (15th October 2009)

Direct Access Audiology Waiting Times - August 2009 (15th October 2009)

Annual Conceptions to Women aged under 18, England and Wales - 2007 (15th October 2009)

Conception Statistics, England Wales - 2007 (15th October 2009)


Labour Market Statistics - LMS October 2009 (14th October 2009)

Regional Labour Market Statistics - October 2009 (14th October 2009)

GP Extended Opening Hours - September 2009 (13th October 2009)

SUBSTANCE MISUSE

Breaking the Cycle. A three year pilot project (October 2009)
The objectives of this project was to work with families in Cumbria, Derby and Tower Hamlets:
  • to reduce their substance use
  • improve their parenting skills
  • help establish boundaries and structures within the home
  • put children's needs first
  • encourage adults to improve their economic situation
The overall findings showed that the approach that Breaking the Cycle took contributed to the empowerment, changes and improved the lives of the families who took part.
Summary

WORLD HEALTH

Global Health Risks. Mortality and burden of disease attributable to selected major risks (27th October 2009)
Global health risks is a comprehensive assessment of leading risks to global health. It provides detailed global and regional estimates of premature mortality, disability and loss of health attributable to 24 global risk factors.
Press release
Report