Website of the Department of Health

1. Commissioning a Patient-led NHS Update

This is the latest in a regular series of updates on Commissioning a Patient-Led NHS. It is available at:

Consultations and evaluations

No news this week

Publications

2. Statement of Financial Entitlements (Gateway reference number: 6045)

An amendment has been made to the SFE, see the SFE (Amendment) Directions 2006 at:

• The Statement of Financial Entitlements (Amendment) Directions 2006

There are significant changes to Section 17 (Dispensing), in particular those necessitated by the new Home Oxygen Service. Guidance will follow in relation to new paragraphs 17.18-17.20.

Please note that as part of the Department's commitment to target communications more effectively, any subsequent amendments to the SFE will appear in the monthly FD Bulletin - see:

• the NHS Shared Business Services website (opens new window)

3. Changes to the routine Childhood Immunisation Programme (Gateway reference number: 6126)

The Department of Health plans to introduce changes to the immunisation programme later this year. These changes will be the introduction of a vaccine to protect against pneumococcal infection, amending the Meningitis C vaccination schedule and the addition of a dose of Hib vaccine.

Dear Colleague letter: 

• Planned changes to the routine Childhood Immunisation Programme

Press release:

• Pneumococcal vaccine added to the childhood immunisation programme; more protection against meningitis and septicaemia

4. Agenda for Change and Contracted-Out Soft Facilities Management Services (Gateway reference number: 6133)

The Code of Practice was agreed in October 2005 and the recent tariff adjustment for 06/07 identified - '£75 million for implementation of the two tier workforce agreement'. We therefore encourage you to ensure discussions on application of this code progress urgently. See:

• Two-tier workforce and Agenda for Change

5. Clinically focused practice based commissioning document published (Gateway reference number: 6120)

Published on 8 February, Practice based commissioning: early wins and top tips, contains examples of how practice based commissioning can be used to redesign patient pathways and improve services for patients. It is available at

• Practice based commissioning (PBC)

Conferences and events - i) what's new

6. The Patients' Association Summit: Cleaner Hospitals, Safer Healthcare 24- 25 May (Gateway reference number: 6124)

This summit will take place in London. Themes cover the continuing fight against HAIs and promoting safer healthcare for patients. Speakers include Sir Nigel Crisp. The event also features an exhibition and series of seminars. Full programme and booking form at:

• the Patients Association website (opens new window)

7. Single Equality Schemes and Equality Impact Assessments (Gateway reference number: 6119)

As part of the Department of Health's commitment to help the NHS meet its obligations in the equality and human rights agenda, the Equality and Human Rights Group is holding an event on 13 March 2006 to discuss Single Equality Schemes and Equality Impact Assessments. See:

• Developing NHS guidance on Single Equality Schemes and Equality Impact Assessments

Conferences and events - ii) places still available

No news this week

Patient safety alerts

8. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT - MDA/2006/005 (Gateway reference number: 6121)

BOC Ltd, CD and HX Oxygen Cylinders (only cylinders labelled with expiratory dates between 18 December 2008 and 22 January 2009) with faulty pressure gauges

This Medical Device Alert was issued on 3 February 2006 to NHS trusts for immediate action. Further information can be found at:

• www.mhra.gov.uk (opens new window)

9. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT - MDA/2006/006 (Gateway reference number: 6122)

Guidant implantable pacemaker models: PULSAR®, PULSAR MAX, PULSAR MAX II, DISCOVERY®, DISCOVERY II, MERIDIAN®, CONTAK® TR

This Medical Device Alert was issued on 6 February 2006 to NHS trusts for immediate action. Further information can be found at:

• www.mhra.gov.uk (opens new window)