Health Management and Policy Alert

Free choice at the point of referral

This briefing summarises the most recent official data relating to choice of hospital at the point of GP referral. It argues that if the government's objective for choice to drive improved quality is to be met, at least some patients need to be choosing a hospital on the basis of quality. But existing data suggest that many more patients are picking the hospital that is easiest to get to rather than basing their choice on quality-related factors, such as low infection rates. (King's Fund - press release)

Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme: instructions and guidance for the NHS

This document provides information and guidance to NHS organisations on the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS), which replaces the current Hospital Travel Costs Scheme.The main differences between the HTCS and its predecessor are:

• subject to a limited exception, patients referred by a doctor or dentist for non-primary care services under the National Health Service Act 2006 (including treatments or tests which would traditionally have been carried out in the hospital setting but are now provided elsewhere) are now eligible to have their travel expenses to receive such services paid for under the scheme, where they meet the eligibility criteria
• road and toll charges may now be reimbursed through the scheme

(DH - publications)

Focus on Quality and Outcomes Framework 2008

The BMA’s General Practitioners Committee has published a guidance note for GPs explaining the changes being made to the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) of the nGMS contract . The QOF changes take effect from Tuesday 1 April 2008 until 31 March 2009. (BMA - press release)

Framework for the identification and validation of claims arising from phase 2 ISTC schemes cancelled or re-scoped as a result of the revalidation

This document seeks to set out a framework that may be used by the DH where considering claims arising from the cancellation or re-scoping of various health Phase 2 Independent Sector Treatment Centre schemes, arising as a result of the Revalidation. (DH - publications)

NHS statistics

Trends in children and young people's care - Emergency admission statistics 1996-2006 
NHS Referral To Treatment (RTT) times data - January 2008

A consultation on the framework for the registration of health and adult social care providers

This consultation seeks views on which health and adult social care services should require registration with the Care Quality Commission and what the requirements for registration should be. Without registering with the Care Quality Commission, it will be illegal for health and adult social care organisations to provide services that come within the scope of registration. The new registration system will come into force from April 2010 with the exception of regulations on healthcare associated infections, which will come into force during 2009/10. (DH - consultations)

Competencies for recognising and responding to acutely ill patients in hospital

This consultation document sets out a framework of competencies for recognising and responding to acutely ill patients in hospital. It will not be mandatory, but is designed to inform and assist trusts, as well as individual clinicians, with the implementation of the NICE guidelines published in July 2007. (DH - consultations)

£42 million for research into children's health and underfunded areas

Health Minister Dawn Primarolo has announced £42 million of government funding for three areas of research: childhood obesity; infant mortality; and keeping children safe in the home. In total, 25 research teams will be funded by the National Institute for Health Research to investigate a wide range of chronic and debilitating health conditions. (DH - press release

Free Choice from April 1st 2008

The Department of Health has published, Choice at Referral:  guidance and supporting information for 2008/9, best practice guidance and information for referrers, providers and commissioners on how the roll-out of free choice in elective care in 2008/9 will operate.

[DH Press release]

Code of practice for the promotion of NHS-funded services

This code of practice sets out rules around promotional material issued by providers of NHS services to ensure that: the information patients receive is not misleading, inaccurate, unfair or offensive, that the brand and reputation of the NHS is protected, and that expenditure on promotional activity is not excessive.

[DH publications, DH press release]