Website of the Department of Health

Chief Executives are asked to ensure that their organisation is aware of the need to report non-acute and mental health delayed transfers of care, and that there is a system in place for such reporting. See letter, guidance, and list of organisations who the Department of Health (DH) believe should be returning data but are currently not.

DH are looking for innovative social enterprises that are interested in becoming pathfinders. Pathfinders can apply for financial support to help with set-up and other costs. The learning from pathfinders will be shared across health and social care. Pathfinder application packs are available at:

The 2006 National Child Health, CAMHS & Maternity Service Mapping Exercise is ready to launch. NHS commissioners, providers and local authority commissioners in England are asked to begin data collection, as of 1 November 2006, completing by 28 February 2007.

The 2005/2006 annual health check ratings have been published today, on the Healthcare Commission's website. The Commission has also launched its new website, so that information about the performance of both NHS and independent healthcare organisations is accessible to patients and the public. See:

The VSM Pay Framework updated 7 August 2006 contained a printing error in respect of the November 2006 spot rate for chief executives of Band 2 ambulance trusts (Appendix D) and consequently in November 2006 spot rate for directors in Band 2 ambulance trusts (Appendix E, page 30). These have now been corrected see:

Health Challenge England – next steps for Choosing Health, updates the policy narrative set out in the 2004 White Paper Choosing Health. It does not contain new policy, but consolidates and invigorates current initiatives. Further information can be found at:

Key messages for NHS organisations from the National Evaluation of PALS are now available. See:

This best practice toolkit can be used to support delivery of STI services within primary care and help inform service re-design and commissioning decisions. See:

Monitor, the regulator of NHS foundation trusts, has published The NHS Foundation Trust Code of Governance, which defines the principles of good governance and how to apply them. Although primarily targeted to NHS foundation trusts, this publication will also be of interest the wider NHS. The code is available at:

If you are a NHS Manager you could access a grant you up to £3,000 for travel and accommodation (within UK or abroad), to allow you to investigate innovative management practices, in any discipline, that might benefit the wider NHS. For further information see The Charitable Trusts for the United Bristol Hospitals' website or email:

Applications are invited from chief executives or managers who chair these committees, consultants and others associated with CEA committees to attend this important workshop. Invitations will be sent to ensure a cross-section of delegates. The workshops will be held in London at 10am and 2pm. Please indicate preferred time on application. Applications by 26 October to:

Birthing beds: Huntleigh Healthcare Birthright and Hoskins Birthcare.

This Medical Device Alert was issued on 03 October 2006 to NHS trust for action.

Further information can be found at:

Volumetric Infusion Pump: Alaris SE pump – all models (formerly the Signature Edition Infusion pump). Manufactured by Cardinal Health (formerly known as Alaris).

This Medical Device Alert was issued on 05 October 2006 to NHS trust for immediate action.

Further information can be found at: