Website of the Department of Health

Consultations and evaluations

1. Planning for a possible influenza pandemic (Gateway Reference Number: 8720)

The draft guidance paper has been prepared by the Home Office. It sets out proposals on planning for the management of potentially large numbers of deaths during an influenza pandemic. 

Action: Read the framework document and respond via email by 30 November 2007 to:

• massfatalities.queries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)
• UK Resilience: Planning for a possible Influenza Pandemic - A framework for planners preparing to manage deaths - Consultation (opens new window)

Publications

2. NHS update: the quarter (Gateway Reference Number: 8721)

David Flory, Director General for NHS Finance, Performance and Operations presents the quarter, the first in a series of quarterly updates that outline the NHS financial performance alongside progress made on key national programmes.

 Action: Read the update and use the information to inform future plans.

• The Quarter: quarter 1, 2007-08

3. Exercise Winter Willow lessons identified (Gateway Reference Number: 8577)

This report outlines results from the evaluation of the level of preparedness for an influenza pandemic. The aim has been to capture learning at all levels from all participating organisations. Lessons identified will inform the National Framework.

Action: Ensure there is a clear link between lessons emerging and changes to plans and procedures.

• UK Resilience: Exercise Winter Willow - lesson learned (opens new window)

4. Thanks for NHS response to flooding (Gateway reference number: 8715)

Health Minister Dawn Primarolo has written on behalf of the Ministerial team to SHA chief executives to thank NHS staff for the part they have played in the multi-agency response to the recent floods.

Action: SHA chief executives should circulate this message as widely as possible, conveying the government's appreciation for the response provided in the face of such difficult circumstances.

• NHS response to recent flooding

5. Destruction of controlled drugs - new role for accountable officers (Gateway reference number: 8700)

Changes to the role of accountable officer for controlled drugs now enable them to authorise people, or groups of people, to witness the destruction of controlled drugs.

Action: Chief executives should ensure that accountable officers are aware of their new powers.

• Guidance on the destruction of controlled drugs - new role for Accountable Officers

Conferences and events - i) what’s new

No news this week

Conferences and events - ii) places still available

No news this week

Patient safety alerts

6. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT – MDA/2007/065 (Gateway reference number: 8718)

Device: Hospital beds: Hill-Rom Total Care Duo 2.

Action: This Medical Device Alert was issued on 21 August 2007 to NHS trusts and Social Services for immediate action.

• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - MDA/2007/065 (opens new window)

7. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT – MDA/2007/066 (Gateway reference number: 8719)

Device: Vaginal specula: all single-use Cusco screw type vaginal specula manufactured by North Eos.

Action: This Medical Device Alert was issued on 22 August 2007 to NHS trusts for action.

• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - MDA/2007/066 (opens new window)