Website of the Department of Health

1. Commissioning a Patient-led NHS Updates

No update this week. Previous updates on Commissioning a Patient-Led NHS are available at:

Queries may be addressed to:

• mb-cplnhs@dh.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)

2. Choose and Book Update (Gateway reference number: 6078)

This letter provides further information on implementation. Immediate attention is required as follows: (1) Acute Trusts currently not able to implement an integrated PAS solution are expected to 'go live' with IBS in all specialties by the end of March 2006 (2) 90% of GP referrals (excluding GDP referrals) are to be booked through Choose and Book by 31 March 2007 (3) PCTs will need to prepare monthly trajectories that reflect the 90% requirement for March 2007.

• Choose and Book update

Consultations and evaluations

3. Local Delivery Plans - Mental Health Early Intervention Services (Gateway reference number: 6082)

Follow up to Duncan Selbie letter of 16 December 2005 (Gateway ref 5915), launching the 2005-08 Local Delivery Plan Phase II which referred to the need to look again at existing plans (for 2003-06) for the early intervention mental health target. See letter for further details:

• Local delivery plans - Mental health early intervention services

4. Contraceptive services (ROCR/05/027) (Gateway reference number: 5842)

The NHS operating framework for 2006/7 identifies sexual health as a priority area for progress on reform and improving services to patients. Public Health Minister Caroline Flint has written to PCT Sexual Health Leads, notifying them of the National Baseline Questionnaire of Contraceptive services in England. To view the letter and further details:

• Contraception

5. National Capabilities Survey (ROCR/OR/0176/FT6) (Gateway reference number: 6092)

This was sent out on 1 February to NHS organisations, including NHS Foundations Trusts, and cleared by Monitor as being mandatory for all Foundation Trusts with A&E Departments. Responses are due by 29 March. Enquiries: 020 7210 5241 or

• epd@dh.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)
• National capabilities survey

Publications

6. Launch of Patients at Risk of Re-hospitalisation (PARR) + Tool (Gateway reference number: 6061)

Enhancements have been made to the PARR risk prediction tool, which predicts patients at risk from repeated hospital admission, following feedback from users. The enhanced tool (PARR+) will replace the first version and is free of charge to the NHS, available to download from:

• the King's Fund website (opens new window)

7. Amendment to the recent advice on the treatment of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) (Gateway reference number: 5997)

Specifically for children as well as patients exposed to high numbers of donor units of FFP. Children are supplied by the NBS whilst the others are supplied from a pharma company. PCTs will already have received  the financial allocation specifically for this purpose.  See letter for further details:

• Availability of imported fresh frozen plasma in England and North Wales

8. NHS Direct Service Prospectus 2006/7 (Gateway reference number 5866)

Provides detailed information on the range of enhanced services available to support the delivery of out-of-hours and unscheduled medical and dental care. New outbound calling programmes to help patients with long-term conditions and to support the secondary care sector can also be commissioned. See:

• the NHS Direct website (opens new window)

9. NHS Direct Commissioning Framework April 2006-March 2007 (Gateway reference number: 6036)

This provides guidance to PCTs in support of their role as commissioners of the services provided by NHS Direct.  Further guidance on the longer term position will be issued later in the year. See:

• NHS Direct commissioning framework April 2006-March 2007

10. Flexible Careers and Returners Schemes (Gateway reference 6074)

The 2005/06 central budgets and management of the above mentioned schemes for GPs and hospital doctors had been under review  with the aim of devolving the management and funding of the schemes.  This letter confirms funding for 2005/06 to SHAs and provides information about the future status of the schemes.

• Funding for the Flexible Careers and Returner Schemes 2005/06

11. HTM 07-02 Encode: making energy work in healthcare (Gateway reference number: 5142)

Encode is the primary source of guidance on managing energy use and carbon emissions in the healthcare sector. A key factor in achieving energy and carbon savings is strong leadership and commitment from the chief executive. See:

• HTM 07-02: Encode: Making energy work in healthcare

Conferences and events - i) what's new

12. NSF for Long-term Conditions (Gateway reference number: 6091)

Six regional events are taking place in March on implementation of the NSF for Long-term (Neurological) Conditions. Chief Executives or their representatives with lead responsibility for the NSF from health and social care and a range of local voluntary and independent sector partners are invited to attend.

Conferences and events - ii) places still available

No news this week

Patient safety alerts

No news this week