Website of the Department of Health

1. Commissioning a Patient-led NHS

The latest updates on Commissioning a Patient-Led NHS are available at:

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

Consultations and evaluations

2. First head and neck cancer audit (Data for Head and Neck Oncology - DAHNO) (Gateway reference number: 6462)

New evidence published on head and neck cancer care, including access and waiting times, helps improve quality and outcomes of care. DAHNO, managed by the Information Centre for health and social care for the Healthcare Commission, aims for all trusts to contribute. Please see:

• Information Centre for health and social care website (opens new window)

3. Response to the consultation on the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) service (Gateway reference number: 6096)

This document provides a summary of the responses to the consultation exercise on the operation and implementation of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) service created in the Mental Capacity Act 2005, as well as the Government response.

• Consultation on the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) service 2005: summary of responses
• Contact: IMCA@dh.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)

Publications

4. A New Ambition for Old Age - Next Steps in Implementing the National Service Framework for Older People (Gateway reference number: 5601)

This is published by DH on 20 April. It will cover three themes: Dignity in Care, Joined Up Care and Healthy Ageing, and sets out priorities for the next phase of reform. Further background is in a resource document - both at:

5. Safeguarding children - a guide to interagency working (Gateway reference number: 6109)

Revised guidance on Working Together to Safeguard children was published on 6 April. It is addressed to senior / operational managers responsible for commissioning or providing services to children. Limited distribution via Children's Leads. Copies can be downloaded from:

• Every Child Matters website (opens new window)

Contact Alison Beedie via:

• MB-Childrens-Health@dh.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)

NOTE: The Every Child Matters website

The Every Child Matters website is currently experiencing very slow speeds during the middle of the day. They are working to fix this problem, but in the meantime, users are advised to access the site earlier or later in the day.

6. The Common Assessment Framework (Gateway reference number: 6465)

This best practice guidance for managers and practitioners on how to use the CAF Framework, is accompanied by a new version of the CAF form and further training materials on integrated working. Copies can be downloaded from:

• The Common Assessment Framework on the Every Child Matters website (opens new window)

Contact  Alison Beedie via:

• MB-Childrens-Health@dh.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)

7. The Lead Professional (Gateway reference number: 6466)

The lead professional coordinates provision across agencies offering a single point of contact for the child and their family. This new best practice guidance will help managers to implement the role, and help practitioners carry out lead professional work. Copies can be downloaded from:

• Every Child Matters - Change for Children: Lead Professional (opens new window)

Contact Alison Beedie via:

• MB-Childrens-Health@dh.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)

Conferences and events - i) what's new

8. HR in the NHS 2006 Conference: 25 - 27 April 2006, Birmingham International Conference Centre (Gateway reference number: 6482)

Ian Carruthers will be addressing the conference on Wednesday 26 April.

Further information at:

• HR in the NHS (opens new window)

Conferences and events - ii) places still available

No news this week

Patient safety alerts

9. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT - MDA/2006/024 (Gateway reference number: 6458)

Baxter Clearlink^TM needle-free connector/valve for vascular access

This Medical Device Alert was issued on 12 April 2006 to NHS trusts for action. Further information can be found at:

• www.mhra.gov.uk (opens new window)