Website of the Department of Health

Consultations and evaluations

2. Migration of CDS and PbR data to XML (Gateway reference number: 8656)

All providers must be able to submit Commissioning Datasets data in XML format before 31 October, after which EDIFACT format will not be accepted. The end of July goal set for completing migration to the mandatory Government standard has not been achieved by some organisations.

Action: Ensure your organisations have submitted test data. If not, start immediately after the SUS processing pause (allowing essential system upgrades) ends in September.

• Further details (opens new window)

3. Developing a new drug strategy (Gateway reference number: 8210)

A lot has changed since the first drug strategy was published in 1998. Nine years on, the Government aims to renew and refresh its approach. This consultation document, backed by a wider
programme of consultation events over the summer and autumn 2007, will involve the public,  communities, families, experts and current and ex drug users.

Action: Give your input, feedback and views on the current structures for delivering the new strategy.

• Home Office consultation - Drugs: our community, your say (opens new window)

4. Review of science in the Department of Health (Gateway reference number: 8647)

A review of the quality, management and use of science in the Department of Health will be carried out by the Government Office for Science. You are asked to respond with your views and information on how the review can meet success criteria outlined in the note.

Action: Please address your response or any queries relating to the review to:

• elizabeth.warham@dius.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)
• Science review of the Department of Health (opens new window)

5. New NHS equality leads e-bulletin (Gateway reference number: 8620)

The DH Equality and Human Rights Group will launch an e-bulletin for equality leads across the NHS and social care sectors. It will provide news of relevant events, resources and case studies. 

Action: Please complete the form as soon as possible with details of the equality lead for your organisation and send to

• equality-leads@dh.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)
• Contacts for new e-bulletin for NHS Equality Leads

Publications

6. Toolkit: Strategic Health Asset Planning and Evaluation (Gateway reference number: 8545)

SHAPE is a web-enabled, evidence-based application designed to support SHAs and PCTs with their strategic planning.

Action: Learn more about SHAPE and register by following the link:

• Strategic Health Asset Planning and Evaluation toolkit (SHAPE) (opens new window)

7. Resource documents: Getting ready for LINks (Gateway Reference 8473 and 8574)

The first document provides guidance on planning issues, such as who needs to be involved and how Local Involvement Networks could work. The second offers guidance to Local Authorities on procuring host organisations to support LINks and outlines what services they will need to provide.  

 Action: Begin the procuring process for establishing a host organisation to support LINks when it becomes operational in 2008.

• Getting ready for LINks: Planning for Local Involvement Networks

8. Directions 2007: Primary Medical Services (Gateway reference number: 8490)

Directed Enhanced Services for Improved Access and Choice and Booking are being rolled forward for a further year to 31 March 2008.  

Action: Note the Directions to PCTs are now available on DH website and corresponding amendments have also been made to the Statement of Financial Entitlements.

• The Primary Medical Services (Directed Enhanced Services) (England) Directions 2007
• Statement of Financial Entitlements (Amendment) (No.2) Directions 2007

Conferences and events

i what’s new

No news this week

ii places still available
9. Commissioning for People with Long Term Conditions (Gateway reference number: 8646)

This conference is aimed at commissioners, NHS & social care managers, clinicians, community matrons, case managers, professional stakeholder groups, LA's and the voluntary sector. It takes place on Tuesday 18 September at the Royal Armouries in Leeds and Wednesday 19 September at the Brewery in London.

Action: For more details and to book please visit the link:

• PCC events online (opens new window)

Patient safety alerts

No news this week