Health Management and Policy Alert

Antimicrobial resistance: global report on surveillance 2014

World Health Organization (WHO) -
This report aims to provide a comprehensive picture of antibiotic resistance across the world, with data from 114 countries. The findings document resistance to antibiotics, especially so-called last resort antibiotics, in all regions of the world. It also shows the gaps in surveillance systems and the need for a standardized approach to tracking and monitoring the issue.

• Full report
• Summary report
• WHO - news

Inclusive practice: improving access to primary care and reduce risk of avoidable admission to hospital

Department of Health -
This report reviews the impact of efforts to provide good access to primary care services. It reviews levels of hospitalisation for the four vulnerable groups identified in the Inclusion Health programme: vulnerable migrants; gypsies and travellers; people who are homeless; and sex workers.

• Report
• Department of Health - publications

Good practice in improving care for vulnerable groups

Department of Health -
This report includes examples of good primary care that improves registration and access to care. It outlines what makes good practice and explains why the chosen approaches are successful in improving access to primary care.

• Report
• Department of Health - publications

Public health in local government - one year on

Local Government Association -
Public health made the formal transfer to local government in April 2013, with the hope of tackling the wider social and economic determinants of poor health. This publication aims to capture the thoughts of those working in the new system with contributions from councillors, directors of public health, providers, commissioners, GPs, academics and other key decision makers.

• Report
• Local Government Association - publications

Report of the Children and Young People's Health Outcomes Forum (CYPHOF) 2013/14

Department of Health -
These reports welcome progress and also challenge the health system and children’s sector on where further improvements are needed.

• Report
• Department of Health - publications

Comorbidities: a framework of principles for system-wide action

Department of Health (DH) - 
This document sets out the current challenges faced in the health and social care system in treating people with 2 or more long term health conditions. It proposes changes to the system to improve care.

• Framework
• DH news

Ageing alone: loneliness and the oldest old

CentreForum - 
This report argues that loneliness should be a public health priority and explores practical steps that can be taken to reduce levels of loneliness among the oldest old. Addressed to politicians and policy makers in both central and local government, leaders and innovators in the voluntary and community sector, and wider society as a whole, the report urges them to give more priority to the services and support that we know can help older people avoid ageing in loneliness and isolation.

• Report
• Press release

Department of Health 2013: stakeholder research final report

Department of Health (DH) - 
This independent survey was undertaken in July 2013, shortly after major changes to the health service in England came into effect. Stakeholders recognised that the survey was undertaken during a time of transition, when the Department of Health and the wider health and care system were taking on new roles and responsibilities. The findings of the survey, shows that the DH is improving relationships with partners and becoming more effective in how they work with external stakeholders generally. The accompanying Departmental Plan outlines actions which are being taken in response to feedback from this survey.

• Report
• Departmental plan
• DH news

Case studies from NAVCA members

NAVCA - 
This report contains case studies to accompany the three research briefings published last month that explore local charities and voluntary organisations attitudes and experiences of local health organisations. The case studies provide additional intelligence, regarding infrastructure organisations’ involvement in the emerging local health structures and aim to show examples of what is working well, what challenges there are, and how sector involvement differs around the country.

• Report
• Briefings
• NAVCA news

The Commission on the Future of the Home Care Workforce: call for evidence

Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) - 
This commission, chaired by Rt Hon Paul Burstow has been established to look at workforce issues and produce clear recommendations in the Autumn of 2014. It aims to understand and integrate the perspectives of all the major players in the system: local authorities, providers and most importantly service users, their carers and care workers themselves. The commission invites responses from local authorities, government departments, professional bodies and unions, service providers, service users and their representative bodies and individuals with a stake in improving workforce matters. The call for evidence closes on 21st May 2014.

• Call for evidence
• Further information