Website of the Department of Health

Policy news

1. Commissioning a Patient-led NHS Update (Gateway reference number: 6447)

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced, on Wednesday 12 April, the re-organisation of Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) in England. For details, please see the latest in a regular series of updates on Commissioning a Patient-Led NHS.

The updates are also available at:

• Queries may be addressed to mb-cplnhs@dh.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)

2. Dentists with Special Interests (DwSIs) (Gateway reference numbers: 5338, 5340, 5339, 5341)

From 1 April 2006 PCTs have been responsible for reviewing the oral health needs of their population and commissioning services to meet them.  DwSIS now gives PCTs additional flexibility towards achieving this. See criteria for DwSIS in four clinical competency frameworks at:

• Dentists with Special Interests (DwSIs)

Contact Tony Jenner Deputy Chief Dental Officer (Acting) on 020 7633 4247 or:

• Tony.Jenner@dh.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)

Consultations and evaluations

3. Healthcare Associated Infection National Study (ROCR/05/038/FT6) (Gateway reference number: 6441)

The Healthcare Commission has emailed questionnaires to Directors of Infection Prevention and Control of acute trusts due for return by 5 May. The responses will be analysed, with infection data, to understand better what processes drive improvement. A national report will be published and feedback provided to individual trusts. More at:

• Healthcare Commission website (opens new window)

See also 'Conferences and Events' for 'Reducing MRSA - Increasing the focus' for chief executives and medical directors of acute trusts and PCTs.

4. Review of tariff setting process (Gateway reference number: 6435)

A short review of the Payment by Results tariff setting process in 2006/07 has been commissioned.  The terms of reference for the review can be found at:

Written comments are invited by Wednesday 19 April and should be sent to:

• PbRReview@dh.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)

5. Consultation on amending the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005 (Gateway reference number: 6419)

DH is proposing to amend the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005 to transpose two European Directives into UK law. These Directives define requirements for blood and blood component traceability, reporting serious adverse reactions and standards for quality systems. The deadline for responses is 4 July 2006. See:

• Public consultation on proposed amendments to the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005 (SI 2005 No 50)

To submit comments contact Anita Sharma on 020 7972 4500 or at: Fifth Floor, Wellington House, 135-155 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UG or:

• Anita.Sharma@dh.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)

6. Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards (ACCEA) (Gateway reference number: 6433)

The ACCEA is looking to appoint an employer member of the National Committee. See:

• Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards (ACCEA) (opens new window)

For information, or to express interest, contact Mary Holt by 30 April at 020 7972 4103 or:

• mary.holt@doh.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)

Publications

7. Non-GMS contracting arrangements for 2006/2007 (Gateway reference number: 6403)

This guidance was issued on 14 March 2006. Paragraph 5 indicated that SoS Directions would require PCTs and SHAs to review their APMS contracts and PMS Agreements. These Directions have now been made at:

• Guidance on non-GMS contracting arrangements for 2006/07

8. National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group (NSCAG) Commissioning Plan 2006/07 (Gateway reference number: 6432)

The 2006/07 Commissioning Plan covers those highly specialised services which are nationally designated under the auspices of NSCAG. It is intended to inform providers and stakeholders of our commissioning plan for 2006/07 and can be accessed at:

• National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group (NSCAG): Commissioning plan 2006/07

9. LAC(2006)12 - Charges for Residential Accommodation - CRAG Amendment No. 25 (Gateway reference number: 6428)

This circular announces amendments to the Charging for Residential Accommodation Guide (CRAG) which came into force on 10 April 2006. Available at:

• LAC (2006)12: Charges for residential accommodation - CRAG amendment No 25

10. National Suicide Prevention Strategy Annual Report 2005 (Gateway reference number: 6040)

The National Suicide Prevention Strategy annual report on progress 2005 has been published and is available using the following link (or contact John Scott on 0113 254 6892):

• Care Services Improvement Partnership website (opens new window)

11. The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has launched a new campaign - 'Please Ask' (Gateway reference number: 6414)

The 'Please Ask' campaign is to encourage patients to feel comfortable asking questions about their healthcare and raising concerns with health professionals. For downloadable tip sheets, see:

• National Patient Safety Agency website (opens new window)

Conferences and events - i) what's new

12. Reducing MRSA - Increasing the focus: 9 May, London (Gateway reference number: 6440)

This event is for chief executives and medical directors (of acute trusts and PCTs). The event will help leaders focus on priorities.

Conferences and events - ii) places still available

No news this week.

Patient safety alerts

No news this week.