Website of the Department of Health

Consultations and evaluations

No news this week

Publications

2. Drug safety update (Gateway reference number: 9599)

This is a new monthly electronic bulletin from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Commission on Human Medicines. It aims to bring all healthcare professionals the latest information and clinical advice to ensure the safe use of medicines.

Action: This is an important drug information source. 

• MHRA Drug Safety Update (opens new window)

3. Risk management for medium secure patients (Gateway reference number: 9611)

Following a recent incident involving the absconding of a medium secure service patient whilst receiving treatment in an acute hospital, Ministers have urged commissioners to assure themselves that providers are aware of the risks inherent when a patient is escorted out of the secure environment, and they are taking appropriate actions to mitigate the risks

Further information: Details are available from Karen Howell, DH Deputy Director of Secure Services and medium secure lead on 07971 109 6887.

Action: Chief executives need to ensure that providers have policies on escorting these patients and on the control of mobile phone use.

4. Achieving best outcomes for health and social care (Gateway reference number: 9485)

The Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP) has launched its High Impact Changes for Health and Social Care. They are designed to help achieve the seven positive outcomes for people using health and social care services as set out in the Our health, our care, our say White Paper, and further developed in Putting People First 2007.

Action: There are real practical improvements to people’s lives possible if these changes are implemented by NHS and social care leaders. 

• Download High Impact Changes for Health and Social Care in Portable Document Format (PDF) from CSIP (opens new window)

5. Electronic staff record moving forward (Gateway reference number: 9621)

The NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) project is moving into a new and exciting final phase. Supporting NHS organisations in successfully using all the rich potential in the integrated system to realise the benefits is the primary focus going forward. 

Action: Chief executives can find out more by visiting NHS Electronic Staff Record or to subscribe by emailing:

• communications@esrsolution.co.uk (opens new window)
• NHS Electronic Staff Record (opens new window)

Conferences and events - i) what's new

6. Second wave patient safety events (Gateway reference number: 9616)

Twenty-three chief executives signed up to the first Leading Improvement in Patient Safety programme. Applications are now invited for the second wave. This is a nine-month series of events to ensure you reduce harm in your trust.

Action: Further information for those who want to attend is via the above link, with a closing date for applications of 31 March.

• NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement: Leading Improvement in Patient Safety (LIPS) (opens new window)

Conferences and events - ii) places still available

No news this week

Patient safety alerts

7. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT – MDA/2008/12 (Gateway reference number: 9617)

Device: Medication cassette reservoir for CADD® Legacy and CADD® Prizm infusion pumps manufactured by Smiths Medical. Model numbers 21-7001-24, 21-7002-24 and 21-7100-24. Lot numbers 023X17 to 122X17 inclusive.

This Medical Device Alert was issued on 5 March 2008 to NHS trusts for immediate action.

Further information can be found at:

• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - MDA/2008/012 (opens new window)

8. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT – MDA/2008/13 (Gateway reference number: 9618)

Device: Heel & Elbow and Heel & Ankle Gelbodies used to help prevent pressure ulcers. Manufactured by Trulife.

This Medical Device Alert was issued on 10 March 2008 to NHS trusts and social services for action.

Further information can be found at:

• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - MDA/2008/013 (opens new window)