Health Management and Policy Alert

Payment by Results (PbR) data assurance framework 2008/09

This report presents the key findings and analysis of the 2008/9 national clinical coding audit programme managed by the Audit Commission. It shows that the number of errors made by NHS trusts under the PbR system is falling, but there are continuing concerns about the poor quality of some medical records. (Audit Commission - publications)

Patients… not numbers, people… not statistics

The Patients Association has published this report containing 16 first hand accounts of patient care in hospital. The report calls on government and the Care Quality Commission to conduct an urgent review of the standards of basic care being received by patients in hospital and demands stricter supervision and regulation of hospital care. (Patients Association - publications) [Patients Association - press release]

Transfer of learning disability social care funding and commissioning from the NHS to local government

Since 1 April 2009, funding and commissioning responsibility of social care for adults with learning disabilities transferred from the NHS to local authorities. Further guidance on capital transfers and other financial and practical issues has been published. (Department of Health - publications)

Access to specialist neuromuscular care: the Walton report

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Muscular Dystrophy have heavily criticised the way in which the NHS plans services for rare conditions, following an in depth investigation, which took evidence from key clinicians, researchers, patients and NHS commissioners from across the UK. This document reports on the findings from this investigation and also calls for immediate guidelines to be set in place for muscular dystrophy. (Muscular Dystrophy Campaign - publications)

The framework for responsible officers and their duties relating to the medical profession: a consultation on responsible officer regulations and guidance

The Department of Health are consulting on draft regulations and guidance relating to the roles and responsibilities of responsible officers. The draft regulations set out the legal framework for introducing responsible officers. The guidance expands on the regulations and describes the role that responsible officers will play in supporting organisations and doctors to improve quality care. The closing date for comments is 25 October 2009. (Department of Health - publications)

Psychiatric services for black and minority ethnic older people

Little progress has been made in improving mental health services for black and minority ethnic (BME) older people over the last eight years, according to a new report. It examines what changes have occurred in services offered to BME older people since the original report was published in 2001. (Royal College of Psychiatrists - publications)

The safer management of controlled drugs: annual report 2008

The Shipman Inquiry found that ineffective monitoring had allowed Dr Harold Shipman to obtain large quantities of diamorphine, which he used to kill at least 15 and possibly up to 200 patients. This report details progress in implementing regulations introduced in response to the Shipman Inquiry, to monitor controlled drugs. (Care Quality Commission - publications)

PCT autumn statements for services for disabled children

This dear colleague letter from Dame Christine Beasley DBE, Chief Nursing Officer, includes a questionnaire template which PCTs may find useful when setting out their autumn statements on the development of services to disabled children. (Department of Health - letters)

Manual for cancer services draft radiotherapy measures

A draft version of the radiotherapy measures, for inclusion in the Manual of Cancer Services has been issued for consultation. Comments should be submitted by 25 November 2009. (Department of Health - publications)

European Working Time Directive (EWTD)

This letter from Flora Goldhill, Director, Workforce Capacity, Values and Equality, gives an update on the EWTD. The EWTD is now fully implemented across the NHS with the inclusion of junior doctors in training in the 48 hour working week. (Department of Health - letters)