Website of the Department of Health

Consultations and Evaluations

2. Consultation on a Review of PCT Professional Executive Committees (PEC) (Gateway reference number: 7381)

A review of PCT PECs has now concluded and the outcomes of that review have informed a new consultation document. The document, including information on how to respond to the consultation, can be accessed at

3. Guidance on Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services (PTS) Consultation (Gateway reference number: 7305)

The White Paper, Our Health, Our Care, Our Say made a commitment to extend eligibility for non-emergency Patient Transport Services (PTS) to procedures that were traditionally provided in hospital, but are now available in a community setting.  The consultation seeks stakeholders’ views on draft eligibility and finance guidance to enable implementation of this change. See

• Guidance on non-emergency patient transport services: consultation

4. Consultation on an Independent Review of the Long Term Sustainability of Children’s Palliative Care (Gateway reference number: 7442)

The Secretary of State for Health has commissioned an independent review into the state of children and young people’s palliative care services in England. A consultation letter was issued on 20 October, and the 6-week consultation period ends on 1 December. The consultation letter is available from 020 7972 4991 or email:

• cpcreview@dh.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)

Publications

5. NICE launches guide to support effective commissioning of services (Gateway reference number: 7421)

NICE have published the last in a series of five commissioning guides to help the NHS in England effectively commission evidence-based care for patients.

Chief executives and commissioners can access the guide on foot care service for people with diabetes from the NICE website. As some information is specific to your organisation, you will need to register on the NICE website to access the information.

See:

• NICE - Foot care service for people with diabetes (opens new window)

6. DRC has produced a DVD ‘Closing the Gap’ (Gateway reference number: 7429)

The Disability Rights Commission has recently completed a formal investigation into health inequalities in primary care experienced by people with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems. To raise awareness of the issues, the DRC has produced a DVD 'Closing the Gap', showing four case studies of people's experiences of the NHS.  To order a copy of the DVD see:

• Disability Rights Commission - Order DVD Form (opens new window)

7. 'Exempt Accommodation' for housing benefit purposes (Gateway reference number: 7430)

Government is looking at the implications of the Social Security Commissioner's decision on 'Exempt Accommodation' for Housing Benefit purposes. It is important that where councils are reviewing these awards that they carefully consider the provision of accommodation, care and support and ensure that vulnerable people are not put at risk. Email your enquiries to:

• SCPI-Enquiries@dh.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)

8. Advice for the NHS on the Treatment of Prostate Cancer (Gateway reference number: 7385)

Advice for the NHS to take into account as they develop, provide and commission brachytherapy services for the treatment of prostate cancer was issued on 22 November. See:

• Advice on the development of low dose rate (permanent seed implant) brachytherapy services for localised prostate cancer in England

9. Guidelines for the NHS - In support of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) protocol (Gateway reference number: 7047)

These guidelines provide practical advice to NHS organisations about what to do when faced with a patient safety incident or incidents that may require investigation by the police and/or HSE.

They should be read in conjunction with the MOU protocol published earlier this year, see:

• Memorandum of understanding: Investigating patient safety incidents involving unexpected death or serious untoward harm
• Guidelines for the NHS: In support of the Memorandum of Understanding - Investigating patient safety incidents involving unexpected death or serious untoward harm

10. Assistance with diagnosing and resolving technical issues for Choose and Book  (Gateway reference number: 7414)

A summary of the range of support available for successful deployment of Choose and Book was sent to directors of performance on 17 November and is available for chief executives to access at

• Assistance with diagnosing and resolving technical issues for choose and book

11. Choose and Book (Gateway reference number: 7413)

Chief executives are being made aware that Nick Chapman and Jane Cummings have written to directors of performance (DoPs) about the process for providers to follow when patients call the Choose and Book Appointments Line to book their appointment and no slots are available with their chosen provider .  DoPs will be contacting trusts and PCTs to ensure these arrangements are put in place. See:

• Choose and Book: Slot unavailability when patients call The Appointments Line (TAL)

12. Erratum - The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (Gateway reference number: 7252)

Chief executives are asked to ensure that departments using ionising radiation for medical exposures: x-ray; diagnostic imaging; radiology; medical physics; nuclear medicine or radiotherapy are aware of the changes enshrined in the above named legislation which comes into force on 1 November 2006.

Further information can be found at:

• The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000 (together with notes on good practice)

Conferences and events - i) what's new

No news this week

Conference and events - ii) places still available

No news this week

Patient safety alerts

13. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT – MDA/2006/064 (Gateway reference number: 7438)

Examination gloves. Ansell (UK) Ltd – Micro-Touch® Ultra PF powder free latex. Product codes: 5282, 5284, 5286, 5288. Lot numbers beginning with: 0511, 0602, 0603, 0605, 0607. This Medical Device Alert was issued on 20 November to NHS trust and Social Services for action.

Further information can be found at:

• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency MDA/2006/064 (opens new window)