Website of the Department of Health

Consultations and evaluations

2. Teaching status for re-configured PCTs (Gateway reference number: 6997)

Newly-reconfigured PCTs did not automatically inherit the right to the "teaching" title and logo of any of their constituent organisations. Ministers have expressed the view that new PCTs wishing to retain the title should be allowed to do so providing they meet appropriate criteria. See letter for reconfigured PCTs to re-apply for teaching status at:

• Teaching PCTs: 2006

Publications

3. Feedback requested from healthcare professionals on draft electronic prescribing functional specification (Gateway reference number: 7036)

NHS Connecting for Health has developed a draft functional specification for electronic prescribing (ePrescribing) systems following a series of workshops with staff from acute and mental health trusts. It is now seeking feedback on the draft specification from healthcare professionals to ensure that it meets clinical requirements. Further information can be found at:

• NHS Connecting for Health website

Conferences and events - i) what's new

4. Site sought to pilot IT specification for blood safety (Gateway reference number: 7039)

NHS Connecting for Health, supported by the National Patient Safety Agency, is looking to work with one or more NHS acute trusts in England to pilot a national IT specification for blood tracking.

To express interest please email:

• sarah.crossland@cfh.nhs.uk

Conference and events - ii) places still available

For those that express an interest an information pack with further details and application documentation will be sent out in September. More information is available at:

• NHS Connecting for Health website

Patient safety alerts

5. Guidance for Phase 3 of Choice of Scan (Gateway reference number: 7038)

From April 2007, patients waiting for diagnostic imaging tests who do not have an appointment within 13 weeks are to be offered the choice of having their scan at another provider. For further information and guidance, please see:

• Choice of scan phase 3: Guidance