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System reform: the next steps outlined

Key documents outlining the next steps in system reform across the NHS are available to view online.

'Health reform in England: Update and next steps' was published in December and shows how the key reform elements join together following the 'Creating a Patient-led NHS: Delivering the NHS Improvement Plan', published in March 2005.

'The NHS in England: The operating framework for 2006/2007', published in January, explains the specific arrangements for the forthcoming year. It includes the latest guidance on practice-based commissioning, and information about choice policy.

'A National Framework to Support Local Workforce Strategy Development: A guide for HR directors in the NHS and social care', also published in December, offers advice for local employers about ways to deliver efficiency savings and a high-quality workforce.

'Commissioning a Patient-Led NHS: Human Resources Framework for SHAs and PCTs' has been produced jointly by the Department of Health, NHS Employers and the NHS trade unions. The framework is designed to support SHAs and PCTs through workforce changes which may arise from implementation of 'Commissioning a patient-led NHS'.

Look at our new look!

Recent visitors to the Appointments Commission's website will have seen the colourful new look of the site and changes to the commission's overall identity.

From October, if Parliament agrees, the commission will become a non-departmental public body (NDPB) sponsored by the Department of Health, instead of a special health authority. The change of identity heralds the commission's move towards working with other government departments in addition to its core work of making public appointments within health.

Chief executive Roger Moore said: 'There is absolutely no change to our existing, full support to the NHS. However, from now on, in line with the recommendations of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, we are expanding our recruitment services to work with other parts of government. 

'Our new look reflects the future of our organisation as the acknowledged experts in public appointments and we expect to work across a wide range of departmental recruitment assignments.'

The commission engaged the government communications organisation the Central Office of Information to design the new logo, web page format and stationery. The logo and associated designs will appear mostly in a wine colour but may also be orange, green, purple, blue, grey or black.

The current NHS Appointments Commission logo will continue to be used in all direct communications with the NHS until 1 October, the date of changeover to NDPB status.

Sir Nigel Crisp retires

Sir Nigel Crisp stepped down from his post as chief executive of the NHS and permanent secretary at the Department of Health at the end of March.

He is taking early retirement after more than five years in the role, during which he oversaw the implementation of the first half of The NHS Plan.

Following Sir Nigel's retirement, Sir Ian Carruthers will become acting chief executive of the NHS and Hugh Taylor will become acting permanent secretary of the department.

Tackling hospital infections - the role of non-executive directors

Ways in which non-executives can prompt boards to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) in their trusts are highlighted in a promotional postcard produced by the Department of Health.

The card is part of the Government's 'Saving Lives' programme, designed to support NHS trusts in reducing HCAIs such as MRSA. Using clinical interventions and an action planning tool, the programme is designed to help trusts embed infection control across each ward, department or unit.

The postcard suggests questions about management responsibilities, which could be discussed at board level. These include:

  • do you know your trust's HCAI rates, including MRSA?
  • what are your trust's plans for reducing HCAIs?
  • how is your trust board kept up to date about these plans?
  • do you have an executive lead for HCAIs?

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