Website of the Department of Health

Consultations and evaluations

2. Specification for the commissioner-led pathfinder programme (Gateway reference number: 8167)

As part of improving access to psychological therapies primary care trusts are invited to apply to become pathfinder sites in 2007/8. The specification sets out the Pathfinder site criteria, the timetable and the additional resources available to support successful PCTs. See:

• Improving access to psychological therapies: specification for the commissioner-led pathfinder programme

Publications

3. Privacy and Dignity - A report by the Chief Nursing Officer into mixed sex accommodation in hospitals (Gateway reference 8220)

This report sets out the current position on privacy and dignity in acute care, as it relates to mixed sex accommodation. It reports what patients and the public want, and points to good practice. See:

• Privacy and Dignity - A report by the Chief Nursing Officer into mixed sex accommodation in hospitals

4. Referral management schemes (Gateway reference number: 8180)

See letter from David Colin Thomé, which provides advice on setting up a referral management schemes (RMS) that will add value for patients. There is also a link to the British Medical Association RMS guidance which is supported by the Department. Further information can be obtained from Gary Belfield 020 763 34220.

See:

• Referral management schemes

5. Implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (Gateway reference number 8082)

Five sets of training materials to support implementation of the Act have been published, and the Lord Chancellor issued the Code of Practice in April. See update for details on how to obtain these and for other information.

• Implementing the Mental Capacity Act 2005

6. Estatecode - Health Building Note 00-08 (Gateway reference number: 8007)

Chief executives may wish to know that the Estatecode has been revised and updated with effect from 1 May 2007. It provides best practice guidance to NHS organisations in England on all aspects of managing their land and property.

Executive summary available via the NHS Estates Knowledge & Information Portal home page - full version only available once registered with the site. See:

• Estates and Facilities Knowledge and Information Portal (KIP) (opens new window)

7. Highlighting the achievements and practical resources available to improve cancer patient information (Gateway reference number: 8192)

The Cancer Services Collaborative ‘Improvement Programme’ (CSC ‘IP’) has worked with cancer networks to identify how patient information can be delivered as part on-going care. The CSC ‘IP’ now recommends how work should focus on supporting sustainable local implementation. See

• Cancer Services Collaborative 'Improvement Partnership' service improvement: National Patient Information Programme Review (2003 - 2007) (opens new window)

8. Safer management of controlled drugs: A guide to good practice in secondary care (England) (Gateway reference number: 8157)

The guidance promotes the safe and effective use of controlled drugs and describes recent legislative changes to strengthen governance arrangements. It will support healthcare professionals and organisations in implementing the new arrangements. See

• Safer management of Controlled Drugs: a guide to good practice in secondary care (England)

9. Positive practice guide: Commissioning a brighter future (Gateway reference number: 8165)

As part of improving access to psychological therapies the Department of Health and Care Services Improvement Partnership have published this guide to support primary care trusts in improving services and tackling stigma and discrimination for people suffering from depression and anxiety disorders. It sets out the key service principles, recommends a service framework and describes examples of positive practice from across the country.

See

• Commissioning a brighter future: improving access to psychological therapies - positive practice guide

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Patient safety alerts

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