Website of the Department of Health

Consultations and evaluations

1. The National Audit Office’s census of neonatal units (Gateway/ROCR reference number: 8256 & ROCR-Lite/07/004/FT6)

A reminder that the census deadline is 8 June 2007. Queries to Fiona Kyte on 020 7798 7791.

2. Applications invited from commissioners and diabetes networks to pilot Year of Care (Gateway reference number: 8324)

Pilots will test how care planning can empower people with diabetes, enhance self-management and improve health, and how local health systems and commissioning can support this. Applications are due by 6 July 2007. See:

• Diabetes UK - Year of Care (opens new window)

Publications

3. NHS Choices summary (Gateway reference number: 8326)

See letter to PEC chairs on NHS Choices. This is a dynamic web-based service using latest technology to provide an easy- to-use, ‘one-stop shop’ of easily accessible health and healthcare information for the 21st century. The information can be personalised for different patients. The user will find authoritative material from existing NHS websites and links to other reputable national and local health and social care organisations. See:

• NHS Choices Summary

4. Free choice roll out commences 1 July 2007 (Gateway reference number 8267)

Providers who meet eligibility criteria will have the opportunity to add orthopaedic services to the national menu. This is the first step in the roll out of free choice. Additional specialties will follow during 2007/08. Full free choice in elective care will be launched in April 2008. See

• Choice at referral: guidance framework for 2007/8

5. Mental Capacity Act: New resources (Gateway reference 8309)

This dear colleague letter sets out the new resources being made available for the health sector for the year 2007-08 for the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. See

• Mental Capacity Act 2005 - new resources

6. Transforming community equipment – A vision for the future (Gateway reference number: 8318)

The Department of Health (DH) has worked with stakeholders to develop a new conceptual model of service delivery that puts users and carers at its heart. The programme is moving into the next stage of development. For further information or to participate visit

• Care Services Efficiency Delivery (CSED) (opens new window)

7. Guidance on single-use instruments for endodontic procedures (Gateway reference number: 8304)

The Department of Health (DH) recently issued advice on single use instruments for endodontic treatments. The new guidance helps PCTs handle potential cost implications for NHS dentists. Contact: David Roberts on 020 7633 7163.

See:

• Primary care dental services: guidance on single-use instruments for endodontic procedures

Conferences and events - i what’s new

No news this week

Conferences and events - ii places still available

No news this  week

Patient safety alerts

No news this week