Website of the Department of Health

Consultations and evaluations

1. End of life care national survey (Gateway reference number: 9537)

As part of a national report, due to be published to Parliament this autumn, the National Audit Office (NAO) is undertaking a census of all PCTs to obtain information on their end of life care services (ROCR-Lite/O7/026).

PCT chief executives will receive the web-based survey by email this week.

Action: The NAO has asked that they review, authorise and submit their individual results by Friday 28 March.

Publications

2. Modernising Medical Careers response (Gateway reference number: 9516)

This is the Secretary of State for Health’s response to the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Modernising Medical Careers, led by Professor Sir John Tooke. Many recommendations are met with a direct response, other proposals are substantial and require further work to develop them ahead of implementation.

Action: This response will directly feed in to national and local plans for recruiting and training doctors in the future.

• The Secretary of State for Health's response to Aspiring to Excellence: Final report of the Independent Inquiry into Modernising Medical Careers

Conferences and events - i) what's new

3. Patient safety campaign (Gateway reference number: 9527)

The campaign aims to save lives and reduce harm within the NHS. It will initially focus on acute care and will launch in the summer. There are a series of events being held around the country from 1-9 April 2008 where NHS staff can hear about the campaign, be involved in shaping it and learn how to take part.

Action: Register for these informative two and a half hour events at:

• Help shape the patient safety campaign (opens new window)

4. Achieving health and social care outcomes (Gateway reference number: 9538)

David Behan, DH Director General of Social Care, will be launching the Care Services Improvement Partnership’s (CSIP) publication on the ‘High Impact Changes for Health and Social Care’ at an event on the 11 March 2008. These will have a positive impact in health and social care on achieving the seven outcomes of adult social care.

Action: To consider attending chief executives and directors of social services should download the flyer and booking form at:

• CSIP News and events: Launch of the High Impact Changes for Health and Social Care (opens new window)

Conferences and events - ii) places still available

No news this week

Patient safety alerts

5. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT – MDA/2008/008 (Gateway reference number: 9544 )

Device: Hospital beds. Hill-Rom Avantguard 1200 and 1400 with manually operated lock-out function.

Action: This Medical Device Alert was issued on 21 February 2008 to NHS trusts and Social Services for action.

• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - MDA/2008/008 (opens new window)