Health Management and Policy Alert

How can PCTs shape, reflect and increase public value?

The Health Services Management Centre (HSMC) has launched a policy paper focussing on health care, and in particular on the lack of public awareness of, or trust in, primary care trusts. It looks at the strategies available for PCT commissioners as they gain extra responsibilities in the newly-devolved NHS. (HSMC - what's new)

Collaborative commissioning of national screening programmes

This best practice guidance sets out roles and responsibilities for the collaborative commissioning of national screening programmes, as recommended in Sir David Carter's Review of Commissioning Arrangements for Specialised Services. (DH - publications)

Caring for vulnerable babies: the reorganisation of neonatal services in England

The reorganisation of neonatal services in England has helped improve care for premature and low birth weight babies, with fewer babies travelling long distances for suitable treatment. But, according to a National Audit Office (NAO) report, further improvements to the service are being limited by shortages in nursing staff, a lack of cots in the right place at the right level of care, and a lack of widespread specialist 24 hour transport. (NAO - press release)

Practice based commissioning - budget setting refinements and clarification of health funding flexibilities, incentive schemes and governance

This document follows up the commitment made in Practice based commissioning: practical implementation to refine the budget-setting methodology, and responds to requests received through the Commissioning Framework for Health and Well-being Consultation for clarification on the flexible use of NHS funds, governance arrangements and incentive schemes. (DH - publications)

Clinically integrated systems: the next step in English health reform

The Nuffield Trust held a series of seminars between June and September 2007 to explore the issues involved in the health reform programme in England. The seminars focused particularly on the use of competition and collaboration to bring about service improvements. This report is a synthesis of the seminars prepared by Professor Chris Ham, chair of the series and adviser to the Nuffield Trust. (Nuffield Trust - publications)

Efficiency appendix to NHS Operating Framework

This appendix to the 2008/9 NHS Operating Framework summarises the most significant immediate opportunities that should form the basis of local improvement for the next twelve months. A more comprehensive report and delivery strategy will be published in early 2008. (DH - publications)

Generic choice model for long term conditions

This generic model helps commissioners understand the process and range of services needed to be commissioned, to improve and personalise services and support people with long term conditions. The model, developed in conjunction with a number of patient organisations, provides good practice examples, and aims to reduce inequalities. (DH - publications)

Delivering health and well-being in partnership: the crucial role of the new local performance framework

This narrative, produced by the Department of Communities and Local Government, outlines changes made to local area agreements and the local government performance framework as a result of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. The narrative focuses on implications for the health and social care sector. (DH - publications)

NHS Emergency Planning Guidance 2005: planning for the management of blast injured patients

This guidance provides a set of general principles to guide all NHS organisations in the provision of services for the management of blast injured patients within the context of the NHS Emergency Planning Guidance 2005. (DH - publications)

Strategic command arrangements for the NHS during a major incident

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to NHS organisations regarding command, control and co-ordination arrangements. It provides a platform for all NHS organisations to undertake emergency planning. (DH - publications)