Health Management and Policy Alert

Payment by Results Assurance Framework 2007/08

This report contains the summary analysis from the Payment by Results (PbR) clinical coding audit programme undertaken at all acute NHS trusts in England in 2007/8. The auditing of in excess of 50,000 episodes, equating to approximately £73million of expenditure  under PbR, provides the first comprehensive national picture of the quality of data which underpins not only financial but clinical and commissioning information. (Audit  Commission - publications)

Mental Capacity Act 2005: deprivation of liberty safeguards - Code of Practice to supplement the main Mental Capacity Act 2005 Code of Practice

The deprivation of liberty safeguards have been introduced into the Mental Capacity Act 2005 by the Mental Health Act 2007. It is planned that the safeguards will come into force in April 2009.  The Code of Practice contains guidance on the safeguards and is particularly intended to provide guidance for professionals involved in administering and delivering them. (DH  - publications)

On the right track? A progress review of the human rights of older people in health and social care

One year ago, the Joint Committee on Human Rights published a report on older people's human rights in healthcare which made a number of recommendations about steps needed to ensure these rights are protected when they use health and care services. This report published by Age Concern assesses the progress made on these recommendations over the past twelve months. (Age Concern - publications)

Going further faster II: applying the learning to reduce HCAI and improve cleanliness

This guide is a summary of the key interventions that will enable organisations to prioritise efforts and maximise impact. It reflects the accumulated learning, evidence and good practice on the critical actions that NHS trusts can take. The guide aims to help  everyone move faster and in a sustainable way towards the goal of zero tolerance toward infection and delivering a clean NHS. (DH - publications)

The personalisation of adult social care in rural areas

The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) has published this report based on the views of a range of people working with older people in rural communities. It describes the implications of an ageing rural population and its potential impact on the future of adult social care. (CRC  - publications)

Closing the gap in a generation: health equity through action on the social determinants of health

This report analyses global evidence on the social determinants of health and their impact on health inequity and makes recommendations for action to address that inequity. It sets out key areas where action is needed along with examples of types of action that  have been proven to be effective. (World Health Organization - press release)

The quarter: quarter 1, 2008/9

This is the fifth quarterly report on NHS finance and service performance shows that the NHS started the year in a sound financial position. Performance at Quarter one shows it is on course to achieve the main priorities on improving access and reducing healthcare associated infections.  (DH - publications)

Pharmacy in England: building on strengths - delivering the future - proposals for legislative change

This consultation document discusses a number of changes and levers which are needed in both the medium and longer term to transform delivery and to align pharmaceutical services within the wider reform programme. (DH  - publications)

Ambulance guidelines: reducing infection through effective practice in the pre-hospital environment

In the pre-hospital environment, there are three key high-risk areas for the transfer of infection:

• direct transfer through the hands of clinical practitioners
• invasive devices
• the emergency environment

This document explains how the risk of infection can be reduced by adhering to best practice in:

• hand hygiene
• the use of personal protective equipment
• aseptic technique
• working in the pre-hospital environment

 

(DH - publications)

Statistics

GP practice vacancies survey 2008

NHS vacancies survey 2008

NHS inpatient and outpatient waiting times figures

Practice Based Commissioning GP practice survey