Website of the Department of Health

Consultations and Evaluations

No news this week.

Publications

1. David Nicholson’s annual report (Gateway reference number: 8420)

This report highlights progress across the NHS during the last 12 months and outlines our opportunities and challenges in moving forwards. See:

• The Year: NHS Chief Executive's annual report

2. Prospective NHS foundation trust private finance initiative (PFI) schemes (Gateway reference number: 8430)

See the letter and guidance note from Monitor - independent regulator of NHS foundation trusts - and the Department of Health (DH), which outline the roles and responsibilities of those involved in prospective NHS foundation trust PFI schemes. See

• Latest news regarding PFI guidance and policy

3. 18 weeks - introduction of the patient tracking list (PTL) for admitted patients from 1 July (Gateway reference number: 8410)

From 1 July 2007, provider trusts will submit a weekly PTL return by commissioner for all patients with a decision to admit. The data will be made available via UNIFY2 for commissioners and SHAs, using the tested methodology used for diagnostic and referral to treat returns. See introductory letter, details of the return and top tips at

• 18 weeks: Patient Tracking List (PTL) (opens new window)

4. Reviewing the role, responsibilities and competencies required of directors of infection prevention and control (Gateway reference number: 8440)

The initial development workshop was held in Birmingham on 6 June 2007 and the output of that event will be used to produce new guidance on job descriptions, competencies, person specifications and training programmes for debate at a second workshop in September. The keynote presentations are available at

• Clean, Safe Care: Events and publications (opens new window)

5. Shared priorities agreed for the Government Office Network (Gateway reference number: 8443)

The Government Office tasking framework describes the Government Office objectives for 2007-08.

For more information contact:

• joe.crilly@rcu.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)
• Government Office Network: The Government Office Tasking Framework (opens new window)

6. New procurement guidance (Gateway reference number: 8168)

Based on the experience and knowledge of colleagues in the 10 NHS Mosaic pilot sites, the Beyond Procurement guide shares information and encourages innovation on how better procurement outcomes can be achieved by aligning equality and efficiency goals. See

• Beyond procurement: Connecting procurement practice to patients

Conferences and events - i) what’s new

7. European Year Of Equal Opportunities For All - Roadshows (Gateway reference number: 8438)

In the run up to the creation of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights there will be a series of events discussing with each region what they are doing, or could be doing, to create a society at ease with its diversity. These events are free and a buffet lunch will be provided.

Conferences and events - ii) places still available

No news this week.

Patient safety alerts

8. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT – MDA/2007/052 (Gateway reference number: 8433)

Device: Pregnancy test kits: Clearview HCG, product code 500158, lot number HGO0050. This Medical Device Alert was issued on 12 June 2007 to NHS trusts for immediate action. Further information can be found at

• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - MDA/2007/052 (opens new window)

9. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT – MDA/2007/053 (Gateway reference number: 8434)

Device: IV extension lines: model 6222 range of VGreen narrow bore extension lines manufactured by Vygon (UK) Ltd. This Medical Device Alert was issued on 13 June 2007 to NHS trusts for action. Further information can be found at:

• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - MDA/2007/053 (opens new window)

10. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT – MDA/2007/054 (Gateway reference number: 8435)

Device: Total hip replacement: DePuy Ultima TPS femoral stem used in combination with Ultima metal-on-metal articulation. This Medical Device Alert was issued on 14 June 2007 to NHS trusts for action and information request. Further information can be found at

• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - MDA/2007/054 (opens new window)

11. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT – MDA/2007/055 (Gateway reference number: 8436)

Device: Contact lens solution: COMPLETE® MoisturePLUS™ from Advanced Medical Optics (AMO). This Medical Device Alert was issued on 18 June 2007 to NHS trusts for action. Further information can be found at

• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - MDA/2007/055 (opens new window)