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. Temporary collection of data on the new dental contracts via UNIFY - (Gateway reference number: 6656)

Information about the level of services commissioned through the new NHS dental contracts, the level of services re-commissioned using resources from rejected contracts, and a breakdown of contracts in dispute will be collected.  PCTs are required to submit data by 9 June 2006. For further details see letter, guidance and form at

• New collection of dental contract information

3. Practice-based GP referral data collection in respect of the Choose and Book Directed Enhanced Service (DES) - (Gateway reference number: 6674)

Subject to ROCR approval, there will be a collection of GP practice level data from PCTs to support the payment of the Booking component of the Choice and Booking DES. The total number of GP referrals to first consultant outpatient appointments made in each month will be collected, starting with June data to be submitted in July. For further information see letter

• Practice-based GP referral data collection in respect of the Choose and Book Directed Enhanced Service (DES)

4. Consultation on picture warnings for tobacco products - (Gateway reference number: 5726)

A three month consultation started on 27 May to determine the most appropriate picture warnings to appear on tobacco packs throughout the UK. The public and stakeholders are asked to register their view of the most effective warnings at 

• The introduction of picture warnings on tobacco packs: A consultation

Publications

5. Progress Report - Delivering Choosing Health: making healthier choices easier - (Gateway reference number: 6333)

This report provides details at a national, regional and a local level of the progress made on the Choosing Health commitments. It reflects the contributions of all departments involved.

Further information can be found at

• Choosing Health

6. The Heatwave Plan for England 2006 - Gateway reference number: 6381)

The Heatwave Plan has been published. It aims to enhance resilience during a heatwave. As part of their emergency planning, NHS organisations should prepare for a heatwave now by working through the advice set out in the document. The Plan and factsheets for professionals are available at

• Heatwave: Plan for England - protecting health and reducing harm from extreme heat and heatwaves (2006)

7. Mental Health Supported Capital Expenditure (Revenue) 2006/07 Guidance LAC (2006) - (Gateway reference number: 6640)

This circular provides guidance on the MHSCER for 2006/07. CSSRs using MHSCE(R) should return completed forms SCE/SCE2 by 30 June and 28 July 2006 respectively to Dorothy Francis, Area 214, DH, Wellington House, 133 -155 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UG. Queries to 020 7972 4678. See

• LAC (2006)13: Mental Health Supported Capital Expenditure (Revenue) - 2006/07

8. Initial Report: National Lung Cancer Audit (LUCADA) - (Gateway reference number: 6678)

The initial report shows participation by trust and provides information on data quality. Outcomes will be used in the Annual Health Check and Peer Review. All trusts should participate. Full findings published, by the Information Centre for health and social care for the Healthcare Commission, autumn 2006. See

• National Clinical Audit Support Programme (opens new window)

Conferences and events - i) what's new

9. Health Service Journal (HSJ) Conference 29 June 2006 'Preparing for Foundation Trust Status' - (Gateway reference number: 6671)

Drawing on foundation trusts' experiences, delegates receive guidance on areas such as developing a successful governance strategy to demonstrating robust financial management. Delegates encounter the overall benefits foundation trust status provides to the organisation and community. See

• Preparing for foundation trust status (opens new window)

Conference and events - ii) places still available

No news this week

Patient safety alerts

10. NPSA has reissued guidance to the NHS on reducing the risk of patient harm associated with the incorrect use of oral methotrexate - (Gateway reference number: 6650)

A significant minority of organisations have yet to implement the actions set out in the Agency's original alert published in July 2004. More at

• National Patient Safety Agency alert: Improving compliance with oral methotrexate guidelines
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