Infections Specialist Library (15th September 2008)
The Infections Specialist Library (ISL) provides convenient and comprehensive access to the highest quality evidence on the investigation, prevention, treatment and control of infectious diseases from a clinical perspective. This is intended to keep health professionals up to date with the burgeoning amount of infectious disease evidence that is emerging daily.
Resource
Information Prescriptions (9th September 2008)
The White Paper 'Our health, our care, our say', published in January 2006, made a commitment to improving access to appropriate information for people with health or social care needs. Information prescriptions will guide people to relevant and reliable sources of information to enable them to feel more in control and better able to manage their condition and maintain their independence.
Information
Impact assessment of the introduction of a statutory scheme to control the prices of branded NHS medicines (5th September 2008)
The Government is seeking to agree a new voluntary, non-contractual scheme to replace the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme. The objective of a statutory scheme is to safeguard the financial position of the NHS in the event that companies do not sign up to the new voluntary pricing scheme or in case of failure to reach agreement on a new voluntary pricing scheme.
Impact Assessment
The Police and Mental Health (Briefing 36) (2nd September 2008)
This briefing looks at the role of the police in relation to mental health and makes recommendations for development. It calls on the NHS to manage health care in police custody and to take a more active role in diverting people with mental health problems to the services they need.
Briefing
Does public release of performance results improve quality of care? A systematic review (3rd September 2008)
A new Health Foundation report has called into question the link between public reporting of hospital performance and increased consumer choice by patients. The report demonstrates that public reporting can have a major impact on improving hospitals’ quality of care following poor results. The report looks primarily at research from the USA investigating the effects of public reporting. Even in a country with an established market in healthcare, patient choice of hospital is not affected by poor results. However, the public release of poor data was a major driving force in hospitals improving their quality of care.
Report
NHS spending: local variations in priorities: an update (September 2008)
Primary care trusts (PCTs) spend around 75 per cent of the NHS budget in England. How do they decide on their spending priorities? This paper examines the data collected by the Department of Health on the amounts PCTs spend on the 23 programmes of care based on medical conditions such as mental health, circulatory problems (including heart disease) and cancer. It also looks at changes in overall PCT spending between 2004/5 and 2006/7 and examines where the extra cash allocated to the NHS went. Fundamental differences are shown in PCT spending that are only partially explained by the different needs of local populations.
Paper
Top-up payments for drugs in England (8th September 2008)
How are top-ups distinct from other charges in the NHS and why have they become such a contentious issue now? This briefing gives some background on the relevant legislation and guidance in this area.
Briefing
What is fair: Should patients be allowed to top up their NHS care? (11th September 2008)
On 11 September 2008, The King's Fund hosted a debate on the issue of top ups and whether patients should be allowed to pay for drugs and treatments which the NHS won't fund. Professor Mike Richards, National Clinical Director for Cancer, is leading the government review on top-ups and was present at the debate.
Debate
Making the NHS the best insurance policy in the World (9th September 2008)
Britain is dropping behind in the global health race, according to a new report published today. The report, published by the independent think tank Reform, proposes that Britain combines its universal healthcare for everyone with the insurance ideas that underpin the global health leaders. It proposes a new model, a National Health Protection System, where individuals will be able to invest a £2,000 per year tax-funded premium to guarantee their healthcare.
Report
How to put NICE guidance into practice and improve the health and wellbeing of communities - Practical steps for local authorities (4th September 2008)
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 is due to be launched at the NICE conference in December 2008. Closing date for comments is 5pm 22nd September 2008.
Consultation
Organ preservation (renal) - machine perfusion and static storage: appraisal consultation document (9th September 2008)
The Department of Health has asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE or the Institute) to conduct a multiple technology appraisal of machine perfusion systems and cold static storage of kidneys from deceased donors, and to provide guidance on their use to the NHS in England and Wales. The Appraisal Committee has had its first meeting to consider both the evidence submitted 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 machine perfusion systems and cold static storage of kidneys from deceased donors. Closing date for comments is 30th September 2008.
Consultation
Needle and syringe programmes: consultation on the draft guidance (15th September 2008)
Consultation on the draft guidance relating to Needle and syringe programmes: providing injecting equipment to people who inject drugs. Registered stakeholders are invited to comment on the draft guidance document which entails the draft recommendations. This consultation will take place between Monday 15th September and Monday 13th October 2008.
Consultation
Crohn’s disease - infliximab (review) and adalimumab: appraisal consultation (16th September 2008)
The Department of Health and the Welsh Assembly Government have asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE or the Institute) to conduct a multiple technology appraisal of infliximab and adalimumab for the treatment of Crohn's disease and provide guidance on their use to the NHS in England and Wales. The Appraisal Committee has had its first meeting to consider both the evidence submitted 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 infliximab and adalimumab. Closing date for comments is 3rd October 2008.
Consultation
Evaluation Report
Influenza - zanamivir, amantadine and oseltamivir (review): appraisal consultation (16th September 2008)
The Department of Health and the Welsh Assembly Government have asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE or the Institute) to conduct a multiple technology appraisal of amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir and provide guidance on their use to the NHS in England and Wales. The Appraisal Committee has had its first meeting to consider both the evidence submitted 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 amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. Closing date for comments is 7th October 2008.
Consultation
Latest implementation Tools (10th September 2008)
Stroke
Slide Set
Diabetes Insulin Pump Therapy
Slide Set
Age related macular degeneration (AMD) - pegaptanib and ranibizumab
Audit Support
Costing Tool
Induction of Labour
Slide Set
Hepatitis B - entecavir
Audit Support
Costing Statement
Hepatitis B - telbivudine
Audit Support
Costing Statement
Total Wrist Replacement
Audit Support
Respiratory Trace Infections
Slide Set
Rh-D negative women - routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis (including new product rhophylac)
Audit Support
Costing Statement
Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia
Audit Support
Costing Tool
Slide Set
Smoking in children
Caring for children with a fever - RCN good practice guidance for nurses working with infants, children and young people (10th September 2008)
This good practice guidance aims to help every nurse give up-to-date, evidence-based care to infants, children and young people who are experiencing fever. The information is based on the clinical guideline Feverish illness in children (NICE, 2007) and other recently published papers. It contains information on commonly used nursing interventions, in particular the use of antipyretics and tepid sponging.
Guidance
Pandemic influenza: surge capacity and prioritisation in health services (draft for comment) (4th September 2008)
To assist responders in developing their local plans further this draft guidance has been produced with the participation and advice of subject experts and representatives from key stakeholder groups. The Department of Health are seeking wider comments on this draft and would particularly welcome views and contributions from those individuals and organisations involved in pandemic influenza planning and preparedness. These will be collated and analysed in depth and used to inform final guidance on this issue. Closing date for comments is 31st October 2008.
Guidance
Pandemic influenza: guidance for dental practices (4th September 2008)
This guidance provides a brief overview of pandemic flu, how it is transmitted and the recommendations for containing its transmission with reference to a dental setting. Full guidance is available via the pandemic flu section on the Department of Health’s website (link is provided below). This includes the National Framework for responding to an influenza pandemic and supporting guidance documents.
Guidance
Pandemic influenza: guidance on the delivery of and contract arrangements for primary care dentistry (4th September 2008)
The guidance provides specific advice to the NHS on the delivery and contract arrangements for primary care dentistry in the event of a Pandemic. It supplements and should be read with other guidance on Pandemic Flu available on the DH website.
Guidance
Other Pandemic Flu Guidance
Keep Warm, Keep Well: A guide for people over 60 (12th September 2008)
This booklet has been produced by the Department of Health, in association with other partners. It aims to help you maintain good health during winter and take advantage of the financial help and benefits available.
Booklet
Keep Warm, Keep Well: A guide for families (12th September 2008)
This booklet has been produced by the Department of Health, in association with other partners. It aims to help you and your family maintain good health during winter, and take advantage of the financial help and benefits available. Inside, you’ll find useful tips on heating your home effectively, a large section on financial support available, steps on preparing your home for the winter and advice on staying healthy.
Booklet
Keep Warm, Keep Well: A guide for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions (12th September 2008)
This booklet has been produced by the Department of Health, in association with other partners. It aims to help you maintain good health during winter and take advantage of the financial help and benefits available. Inside, you’ll find useful tips on heating your home effectively, a large section on financial support available, steps on preparing your home for the winter and advice on staying healthy.
Booklet
Drinking, You and Your Mates: How does your night end? (5th September 2008)
This leaflet for 18 to 24-year-old binge drinkers encourages them to drink sensibly and highlights the consequences of drunk anti-social behaviour.
Leaflet
Clean Hands Save Lives (2nd September 2008)
This alert provides guidance on best practice in hand hygiene at the point of care, to contribute to reducing healthcare associated infection (HCAI) in the NHS. It is based on the first hand hygiene alert issued four years ago with updated information on the point of care message, risk management and product procurement. The NPSA has issued the revised alert to give greater prominence to managing HCAI through better hand hygiene. The alert will be evaluated from April 2009.
Alert
Supporting information
10 key characteristics of good nutritional care in hospitals (11th September 2008)
The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) is launching the next four in a series of ten factsheets for all healthcare staff and care caterers to support the 10 key characteristics of good nutritional care. These factsheets have been produced by the NPSA in conjunction with the Royal College of Nursing, the Hospital Caterers Association, the National Association of Care Catering, BAPEN (British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) and key stakeholders from the private sector, to improve the nutritional screening of patients and service users when they enter a care setting. This ensures people have access to food and beverages whenever they need them and improves nutritional planning for all patients.
Factsheets
Payment by Results for Kidney Dialysis Project Group: interim report, June 2008 (4th September 2008)
This interim report has been produced by the renal PbR project group which has been working on the development of tariffs for renal dialysis. Guidance has been developed to inform the 2008/09 reference cost exercise and the aim is to develop a mandatory tariff for dialysis for 2010/11.
Report
What role for community enterprises in tackling poverty? (15th September 2008)
What contribution can community groups make to tackling poverty in their neighbourhood? Glenn Arradon and Steve Wyler from the Development Trusts Association argue that community-led enterprise organisations including development trusts can act as a driver for positive change, creating a self-help and problem-solving culture, and helping individuals move out of poverty.
Report
The media, poverty and public opinion in the UK (10th September 2008)
This report analyses how the media reports UK poverty and its impact on public understanding and opinion. The media fulfils an important role in shaping, amplifying and responding to public attitudes toward poverty. This study, part of the Public Interest in Poverty Issues programme, explores the role of national, local and community media in reflecting and influencing public ideas of poverty and welfare.
Report
Findings
Reporting poverty in the UK: a practical guide for journalists (10th September 2008)
This guide provides journalists with an overview of UK poverty, highlights the dilemmas they face in covering it and suggests ways in which the subject can be dealt with fairly and authoritatively. The guide has been developed with input from a range of groups dealing with poverty issues and a series of seminars involving journalists from newspapers, television and radio, as well as experts on the subject and people experiencing poverty. It includes: case studies showing how journalists have tackled poverty issues; contact details for relevant organisations; sources of further information; definitions of poverty; facts and statistics relating to poverty.
Guide
The Primary Medical Services (Directed Enhanced Services) (England) Directions 2008 (2nd September 2008)
The Directions to PCTs which give the legal basis for implementing the Directed Enhanced Service for GP practices to extend their opening hours are now in force. These need to be read in conjunction with the Directions (No. 4) amending the SFE. Accompanying guidance is also available.
The Primary Medical Services (Directed Enhanced Services) (England) Directions 2008Final Guidance
Enhanced Surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Cheshire and Merseyside Mid Year 2007 (3rd September 2008)
Report commissioned by the Cheshire and Merseyside primary care trusts to use for assessing local epidemiology and to measure performance against targets in order to improve monitoring, planning and interventions for sexual health promotion and treatment and care services.
Report
Protecting Children from Secondhand Smoke (September 2008)
Since the implementation of the law banning smoking in workplaces and enclosed public places, most adults no longer have to breathe other people's tobacco smoke. But children receive little protection. In fact, around five million children in UK households are regularly exposed to the harmful toxins in secondhand smoke. To help raise awareness, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) and ASH have published a position statement which summarises the health impact of secondhand smoke on children, and an information leaflet for parents and carers. The FPH have also produced an information poster for display.
Position Statement
Leaflet
Poster
‘Duty and Obligation’ - the invisible glue in services and support (11th September 2008)
The Department of Health’s consultation paper, The case for change, has opened a debate on the long-term future of England’s care and support system. In this viewpoint, Kalyani Gandhi and Helen Bowers argue that if social care services are to transform people’s lives, they must be based on a deeper understanding of human relationships and the nature of duty and obligation inherent within them.
Click here for Document
Home Oxygen Service Satisfaction Survey 2008 (12th September 2008)
The first annual National Patient Satisfaction Survey of the Home Oxygen Service, published today, was commissioned jointly by the Department of Health and oxygen suppliers and is an important measure of the quality of care patients receive to show satisfaction with the service. The Home Oxygen Service supplies oxygen delivered directly to the home of over 90,000 patients in England and Wales who suffer a range of conditions including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, lung cancer and supporting the discharge of premature babies. The survey results show: 88% of patients believe that their quality of life has improved since receiving the service; 75% of patients say they speak highly about the service; and The helpline provided by oxygen suppliers is the greatest factor in driving patient satisfaction.
Survey
Recognising and responding to mental health problems in the workplace: why beyondblue? (9th September 2008)
A training programme to help line managers to support staff with depression is from today being tested in the UK for the first time. The beyondblue National Workplace Programme, part of Australia's national depression initiative, gives line managers in businesses across Australia the skills, knowledge and confidence to offer the right support to people who are experiencing distress. Sainsbury Centre is testing whether the beyondblue National Workplace Programme will work in the UK. It is providing the training to line managers from UK employers including the Department of Health, Kent County Council, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Mail Group, the submarines business of Rolls-Royce and Tate & Lyle and will then find out how useful it has been.
Click here for more information
Top tips for Healthier Workplaces (8th September 2008)
The aim of this publication is to enable local workplaces within Cheshire and Merseyside to focus on the actions they can take to promote the health of their existing and prospective employees. Top tips is closely tied to the Choosing Health priority areas, and draws together evidence, national policy, and targets as well as examples of good practice, for the Choosing Health priority areas.
Full Report
Summary
