IHAS Update

March 2012

News, views and snippets from the dynamic world of health care.

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Stop Press

Health Select Committee on Education, Training and Workforce Planning – IHAS gives evidence at the committee

Sally Taber gave oral evidence alongside Dean Royles, Director of NHS Employers and David Worskett, Director of NHS Partners Network. The Committee examined the Government’s plans regarding healthcare education, training and workforce planning.

Careers in Healthcare guide“There must be, almost, a mandate for all the Local Education and Training Boards to have an independent sector representative on them.”

When asked about the involvement of independent providers and the Local Education and Training Boards (LETBs) Sally Taber advised the committee that there was more to be done to increase independent sector organisation’s awareness of the LETB’s. The joint conference with the NHS Partners and Skills for Health on 18 April has the LETB’s high on the agenda.

The last Workforce Development Confederations had some excellent examples of work but they did not all engage with the independent sector. IHAS has done quite a bit of work on what training opportunities there are and published this last year - Careers in Healthcare” from the independent sector. IHAS recently completed in conjunction with the critical care network managers a review of critical care nurse education and supported the publication to make sure that all the acute healthcare staff are aware of their responsibilities.

The IHAS written response is available on the IHAS website

 

IHAS Specific News

Sally Taber appointed as a Red Tape Challenger. Sally's focus will be considering the impact on business and business processes in the independent sector. Questions such as:

  • Are these regulations really necessary and is there a better way to do this?
  • Could we improve or simplify how we make stakeholders comply?
  • Has the organisation explored alternatives to legislation? If so, what?
  • What are the benefits to business?
  • What do stakeholders think?
  • Have any savings been quantified?
  • Has this regulation led to savings for business?

If you have any views on unnecessary regulations that you would like Sally to consider, email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

MHRA updates advice for metal-on-metal hip replacements

The MHRA issued updated advice to surgeons that patients with a particular type of metal-on-metal hip replacement should be monitored annually for the life of the hip replacement. This updates previous advice from April 2010 that patients with this type of hip replacement need only be monitored for a minimum of five years after their operation. MDA/2012/008 requires updated systems be put in place for the follow-up and investigation of patients implanted with MoM hip. A table detailing 4 groups of MoM hip replacements stipulates the follow up required.

Introduction of Elbows and Shoulder joints onto the NJR - update of MOU

The NJR (National Joint Registry) has been working for some time on the development to bring Elbow and Shoulder joint replacement procedures onto the NJR. This development is nearing completion and a start date of 1st April is anticipated on this new collection. HQIP have been in contact with all relevant NHS Trusts and independent sector organisations and suppliers to inform them of this change.  The next step will be to amend the Memorandum of Understanding to reflect the new joints being implemented and the NJR hopes to do this within weeks.

Scottish Parliamentary Health & Sport Committee – Hearing into PIP Implants

Sally Taber met with the Scottish Health Government about cosmetic injectables on 14 February. The following SIHA members gave oral evidence to the Committee on 28 February:

  • Alison Smith, Chairperson, Scottish Independent Hospitals Association;
  • Miriam Watts, Director of Nursing, Spire Murrayfield Hospital;
  • Bruce High, Director of Nursing, Nuffield Health, Glasgow Hospital.

SIHA was asked whether providers could put pressure on those providers that are not offering free re-augmentations. Committee members sought information on how many women with PIP implants had come forward for a consultation and what percentage are proceeding with implant removal.

SIHA were able to make the following points:

  • It was noted for the record that the choice of PIP implants had not been based on price, but rather on the shape of the implant.
  • SIHA will have an input into the proposed Terms of Reference of the MHRA investigation into the PIP issue through IHAS.
  • The majority of PIP implant removals and replacement procedures will take place within the next 12-16 months and that sufficient capacity exists in the providers to meet the demand.
  • There should be an investigation into developing a national implant registry as a matter of urgency.
  • A 12 point cosmetic safety plan has been produced by Nuffield Health. The Committee requested a copy of the safety plan.
 

WIHA meets with Health Inspectorate Wales

HIW advised that there are no plans for major changes to regulations for the next few years and their focus will be on Dignity in Care and infection control spot checks on cleanliness. Private ambulances will be reviewed later this year. HIW expect to visit at least annually using a risk based inspection approach. HIW agree that performance standards should be published. The complaints MoU is working well and both HIW and WIHA wish to retain this. WIHA members noted the importance of the stage 2 review prior to the adjudication stage.

HIW were updated on the cosmetic agenda including the BSI consultation running to April 22, the Royal College of Surgeons standards for lasers and the alerts from Treatments You Can Trust on remote prescribing and lack of control for dermal fillers.

Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, will deliver the opening address at the Laing & Buisson Independent Healthcare Forum 2012, 5 September 2012

This is a key conference in the independent sector’s calendar and IHAS recommends it to all members. High profile speakers will address these topics and more:

  • What will the OFT investigation mean for the future of independent healthcare provision?
  • Can providers and insurers work together with consultants to grow the market?
  • What are the markets to watch in 2013?
  • How are the health reforms shaping up and what impact will GP commissioning have on the role of independent providers in NHS services?

Click here for more information or call 020 7841 0045 to book your place.

Proposed Independent Review of NHS and Social Care Information Governance

In a recommendation to the Secretary of State by the Future Forum IT group chaired by David Haslam, it was proposed that there should be an independent review of future Information Governance (IG) requirements across health and social care. This recommendation has been supported by the Secretary of State and Dame Fiona Caldicott has been asked to take the lead on this significant piece of work essential for gaining clarity on IG needs in the context of the Information Revolution and the government’s pledge concerning individuals having control of their own records. The review, which will cover both health and social care, is expected to report in the summer. For more email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

This review is to be conducted separately from NIGB/ECC and a representative high level Project Board will be appointed on March 8th. Dame Fiona will remain as Chair of NIGB. It is expected that both the NIGB and ECC will make an important contribution to the discussions that are to take place in the course of the review alongside other Stakeholders, and staff will be seconded within to support this work. A report will be provided to the Secretary of State and form the basis of how IG is to be managed across the service in the new provider environment. The office and the Chair will provide regular updates as the review progresses. The report is expected before the summer recess.

The DH press release

Language Competency: Good Practice Guidance for employers

NHS Employers have published this guidance which outlines the responsibility for NHS organisations to seek assurances that any individual involved in the delivery of NHS services has the required level of linguistic skills to enable them to undertake their role effectively and to assure the delivery of safe care to patients. The guidance includes information on the following:

  • Role of the regulatory body
  • International graduates
  • Challenges against the decision to recruit
  • Role of the employer
  • Role of the UK Border Agency
  • How can applicants meet an English language requirement
  • English language tests
  • Practical application

For a link to the guidance and key questions and answers - click here.

Monitor –Stakeholder Engagement on the Licence

12 IHAS members met with Monitor to discuss key issues for the sector on 15 February 2012. Monitor will have a role as the competition regulator for all organisations not just those proving NHS services. Cost impacts in relation to holding a license and need for proportionality was noted. Monitor will have responsibility for Payments by Results and the need to work with NHS Commissioning Board as well as the CQC on quality. Members specifically noted 3 concerns; how different commissioners behave (275 CCG’s), adverse impact on private sector innovation and compatibility of IT systems.  Monitor expect to launch a consultation on the license imposition for Foundation Trusts in June 2012. Contact  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  for further information.

Developing the new NHS Provider licence FREE listening events – for providers (including independent providers) of NHS funded services

The purpose of these short afternoon events is to offer the opportunity to hear about and feedback views on the proposals for Monitor’s licensing regime. For more details, please go to registration.

IHAS represented on the DH Patient-led inspection steering group

On 6 January, the Prime Minister announced his intention to introduce new patient-led inspections of hospital cleanliness, food and environment, to replace the existing Patient Environment Action Team (PEAT) inspections. Chief Nursing Officer, Dame Christine Beasley, has invited the independent sector to have a place on the Patient-led Inspection Steering Group; Annette Shannon from Ramsay Health Care will be the IHAS representative. The first meeting will be held on 15 March.

The Steering Group must ensure by April 2013 patient-led inspections of privacy and dignity, food and cleanliness in hospitals offering NHS-funded care, and providing patients with a voice that can be heard in the assessment of local standards.  The new system must be broadly cost-neutral once in place, and must meet the information needs of a wide range of stakeholders, including the Care Quality Commission, NHS Commissioning Board and Department of Health.  The National Quality Board is advising on the project. The new system will retain basic features of PEAT to allow it to be delivered without substantial additional costs (e.g. frequency of inspection, use of self-assessment etc).

Termination of pregnancy under the Abortion Act

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has written to Medical Directors of NHS and Primary Care Trusts, and to independent sector abortion clinics, to draw attention to the conditions under which abortions can be carried out. Those involved in the provision and commissioning treatment for termination of pregnancy need to comply with all requirements of the Abortion Act 1967. This is extremely important because if the conditions are not met then abortion remains a criminal offence under the Offences against the Persons Act 1861. Read the CMO's letter.

GMC asks IHAS to remind doctors that sex selection through abortion is illegal

Niall Dickson, Chief Executive of the GMC, has written to IHAS asking us to pass on a message to doctors working in the independent sector who are involved in providing abortion counselling, advice or services. The following is an extract from the letter:

I am sure you are aware of the recent media coverage suggesting that some doctors may be offering sex selection through abortion. I would be surprised if any doctor or clinic operating in the UK was not fully aware of the position, but for the avoidance of doubt, we have undertaken to set out our position to the profession and to others with an interest in this area. 

I am therefore writing to draw your attention to the statement we published last week which states that:

  • ‘Sex selection through abortion is illegal and is a clear breach of our guidance for doctors.
  • Doctors involved in such activity are putting their registration and careers at risk.’

Mediplacements - HCA Hospitals achieves over 99% satisfaction rating

Mediplacement’s supplies staff to the NHS and independent sector and in a recent survey of placed staff, HCA International hospitals achieved over 99% in their satisfaction rating.

 

Cosmetic Surgery / TYCT

Register now for Treatments You Can Trust if your organisation is doing Cosmetic Injectables

ihas_injectable_cosmetic_providers_quality_markMinister of State for Health confirms support for IHAS register of injectable cosmetic providers quality assurance mark – the Minister of State for Health, Anne Milton, confirmed her backing for the IHAS Register of Injectable Cosmetic Providers. Anne Milton said, "The IHAS Register of Injectable Cosmetic Providers has the potential to make a very real difference to the safety and quality of services on offer in this growing industry." 

www.treatmentsyoucantrust.co.uk

Laser Working Group and the registration scheme 

This group will be meeting this week on 7 March to announce the launch date of the laser registration scheme which will operate under the Treatments You Can Trust Quality Mark with its own set of Standards. The standards are already free of charge on the IHAS website. The future of the group and the governance arrangements will be agreed at this meeting. Contact  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  for details.

The new and updated TYCT website is now in use at:  www.treatmentsyoucantrust.org.uk

It is a customer-facing site with greatly improved search facilities for customers/patients to find registered providers and already receiving good feedback from its users. The new site registration system is optimised for easy registration by providers wishing to join the Register.  The Registrar, CHKS, will shortly be issuing guidance to providers in the middle of registering. The website provides for Registration of cosmetic injectables providers, and it is intended shortly to include registration for companies offering training courses also. Visitors landing on the old website will be re-directed automatically.

Patient Safety Congress 2012, 28-30 May, Birmingham

The UK’s largest patient safety event is themed – improving safety and efficiency in austere times. The programme covers all aspects of patient safety; clinical risks, systems approaches and human factors, leadership, patient experience, risk management and care pathways. Click here for more information. IHAS members receive a 25% discount – contact  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ">Sally Taber for discount code.

Laing & Buisson Independent Healthcare Awards 2012, 18 September 2012 at the London Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square

Now in their 7th year, these awards are a key feature in the industry’s calendar. There are 21 categories this year, including Acute Hospital Group, Mental Health Hospital Provider, Medical Practice, Nursing Practice, Management Excellence and Excellence in Training. Building on last year, Laing’s Healthcare 20, which lists the organisations with the most influence, greatest financial clout and best performance will be unveiled at the Gala Dinner. Details on how to cast your vote are available at http://www.laingbuisson.co.uk

The closing date for entries is 16 April 2012. Click here for details of all the award categories and to view the entry criteria. Tickets for the Gala Dinner go on sale at the beginning of June.

Sponsorship opportunities for each of the award categories, as well as further sponsorships related to the Awards Gala Dinner, call 020 7841 0045 to discuss.

PIP Breast Implants

Latest Advice on PIP implants published by the Department of Health

 

Managing Complaints (ISCAS)

ISCASIndependent Sector Complaints Adjudication Service (ISCAS)

ISCAS Governance Board

The first meeting will take place on 19 March and will set the priorities of work for 2012. The development of the Board is a crucial milestone for the ISCAS in delivering a service that is recognised in the sector and amongst wider stakeholders in healthcare and regulation. The secretariat will report on the work plan and new governance structures as they are agreed by the Board members. Lady Fiona Hodgson, CBE will be chair and ensure ISCAS governance has patient and public involvement.

ISCAS welcomes Adjudicator Sally Williams

Sally WilliamsSally has a strong commitment to public protection and to the provision of high quality healthcare. She undertakes a number of activities that assess performance in the healthcare setting. These include undertaking quality assurance visits of medical training for the General Medical Council; participating in reviews of individual surgeons or surgical services for the Royal College of Surgeons ofEngland; reviewing the progression of GP trainees for the London Deanery; participating in fitness to practise hearings and reviewing arrangements for supervising midwives for the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Sally was previously a member of the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) and gained a good understanding of the nine professional healthcare regulators. Sally is a non-executive director of NHS Cambridgeshire & NHS Peterborough PCT Cluster. She is Chair of its Quality and Patient Safety Committee, and participates in visits to local hospitals to check quality standards.

Sally is a health policy consultant and health services researcher. Her clients include The King’s Fund, the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation. She worked for a number of years as Principal Health Policy Researcher for the Consumers’ Association (now Which?), where she led research into patients’ experiences of complaining about health services, and campaigned for better regulation of independent healthcare. Sally contributed to the development of professional standards for cosmetic surgery as a member of the Cosmetic Surgery Interspecialty Committee. She has an MA in Health and Community Care from Durham University.

ISCAS membership provides:

  • access to experienced ISCAS staff and the infrastructure necessary to maintain an up to date ISCAS Model Complaints Policy
  • full consultation with DH and Care Quality Commission
  • maintain a Stage 3 (externally moderated) complaints management system
  • publish industry - standard literature for use by patients
  • collect and publish industry wide statistical outcomes
  • access to ISCAS exclusively-retained impartial Adjudicators
  • costs maintained at realistic levels

ISCAS Annual Report 2010

 

Revalidation implementation year

Revalidation is not expected to roll-out until late 2012. In the meantime, doctors should ensure that they:

For more information about what doctors should be doing now to prepare for revalidation down the leaflet ‘Ready for revalidation: one year to go’ (published December 2011). IHAS has produced, in conjunction with the BMA a Whole Practice Appraisal document. Contact  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  for a copy.

Independent Sector Employer - GMC & IHAS Publication - Revalidation: The Way Ahead. A Guide for Independent Sector Leaders in England. This important publication is a guide to help leaders of an independent sector organisation to understand the background to medical revalidation and the steps needed to be ready by late 2012. Read the report.

Practising Privileges – IHAS guidance for developing a policy. This document has been reviewed to bring it up to date with legislative changes and developments that impact on the guidance. The document should be available in April 2012.

ISROC

The major independent sector Employers have set up a Network entitled ISROC, chaired by Dr Sheila Peskett, Medical Director Ramsay Health Care. The aim of this group is to provide professional peer support for Responsible Officers who relate to the RO of NHS London 

 

Workforce

The Skills for Health website site provides access to a wide range of solutions and tools to support skills development within the UK health sector: http://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/

The Centre for Workforce Intelligence (CfWI) is the national authority on workforce planning and development across health and social care. The CfWI website will be the first place to go for up-to-date information for workforce planning in health and social care. Visit cfwi.org.uk 

Laing and Buisson Conference - Delivering the Workforce Agenda - 18 April 2012, see conference section

 

Government delays implementing its proposed ban on age discrimination in the provision of services and public functions

The Government has decided to delay a decision on implementation of its proposed ban on age discrimination in the provision of services, which it had envisaged bringing into force in April 2012. This means that any ban is unlikely to come into effect before October 2012. Ministers are still considering the scope for and content of any exceptions from the ban, in the light of responses to the consultation in 2011.  The Government considers it preferable to take a little more time both to get the decision right and to give businesses and others affected more time to prepare and adjust as necessary. The government will set out a way forward in due course.

Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) publishes report on the Limit on Tier 2 (General) for 2012/13 and associated policies on 28 February 2012

In October 2011 the Government asked the MAC to advise at what level the limit on Tier 2 (General) should be set for 2012, taking account of the economic, labour market, social and public service impacts of the limit; and of the uptake of Tier 2 (General) and intra-company transferee visas in 2011/12. The MAC was also asked to consider some associated policies, including the intra-company transfer route, the resident labour market test and the minimum skill level for Tier 2. This report presents the MAC’s findings and recommendations. View the report.

The MAC has published the following two research reports:

  • Can immigration constitute a sensible solution to sub-national and regional labour shortages? – Dustmann, Frattini andPreston, December 2010
  • Skilled immigration and strategically important skills in theUKeconomy – NIESR, January 2012. 

Link to reports.

 

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

www.cqc.org.uk 

The CQC is responsible for registering, reviewing and inspecting services and has powers of enforcement exercisable in response to failures by providers to meet the legal requirements of registration; including failure to register.

Cynthia Bower resigns as Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission.  

Cynthia Bower has announced her resignation on the same day the Department of Health has published the findings of its ‘performance and capability review’ of the regulator. Cynthia will remain in post until autumn 2012; the recruitment process for her successor will begin ‘shortly’.

Performance and Capability Review of the CQC – DH findings published

The Review recognises that the CQC has made considerable achievements since it was established in 2009 and has delivered a challenging programme of work, registering more than 21,000 providers since April 2010. Over the last nine months, the CQC has made significant improvements, increasing inspection staffing and focusing more on its core duties to register and inspect healthcare providers.

However, the Review found that the scale of the CQC’s task had been underestimated by CQC and the Department, and that more could have done more to manage risks during the early years of the organisation’s operation. The Review also acknowledges that the role of the CQC has not been as clear as it needs to be to health and care providers, patients and the public. The Review has made a series of recommendations that are designed to support its continuing improvement, by strengthening the CQC Board and building on what has already been learnt. The Review also recognises that the Department has more to do to support the CQC and ensure that it is held to account for its role in regulating health and social care.  Therefore, the DH will be working with the CQC to recruit additional non-executive members to the Board.  This recruitment process will start imminently. Read the review. The CQC has announced that it will respond in full to all the recommendations, its initial response can be seen in the letter from Dame Jo Williams.

CQC newsletter for health and social care professionals

CQC has launched a monthly e-newsletter for clinicians and professionals that includes information about CQC’s regulatory activity relevant to this group. You can subscribe to receive future issues by emailing  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  with ‘professional news’ in the subject line.

CQC’s ‘bank’ of clinical and professional experts

CQC is recruiting specialist advisors from a variety of clinical and professional backgrounds who it can call upon to provide timely, up to date advice to support its inspection and investigations activities.  Those recruited will be placed on the CQC bank and called upon when required to provide advice and support. Click here for further details.

Useful links at CQC:

 

Healthcare News

Monitor publishes ‘Evaluation of the reimbursement system for NHS-funded care’

The Government has proposed that Monitor takes on responsibility for pricing, working closely with the NHS Commissioning Board. It is important for Monitor and the NHS Commissioning Board to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the current reimbursement systems in the NHS and how these compare to best practice in other healthcare systems around the world and in other sectors. Monitor appointed PwC to undertake an in-depth, independent and extensive evaluation of the reimbursement system in the NHS in England. This report is the first stage in establishing the evidence for Monitor to use to develop new ways of using pricing to deliver benefits for patients. The report highlights the vital importance of good quality information which accurately identifies the true costs of providing care. It is the most comprehensive analysis of pricing in the NHS to date. The Report

GPs to ‘prescribe’ apps for patients

People could soon be directed to free or cheap apps by their GPs to allow them to monitor and manage their health more effectively. At recent event, showcasing the best ideas for new and existing health smartphone apps, the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “Innovation and technology can revolutionise the health service, and we are looking at how the NHS can use these apps for the benefit of patients, including how GPs could offer them for free.” This follows a call to find the best new ideas and existing smartphone apps that help people and doctors better manage care, which received nearly 500 entries and more than 12,600 votes and comments. Read more.

Venous Thromboembolism: Reducing the Risk is the latest evidence update from NHS Evidence.

The update focuses on a summary of selected new evidence relevant to NICE clinical guideline 92: Reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) in patients admitted to hospital (2010).

PROMS in England: April to September 2011

This is the latest publication of provisional post-operatives scores from the Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) programme for the period April 2011 to September 2011. This publication considers the change in patients' self-reported health status for the four common elective surgical procedures in the PROMs programme: groin hernia surgery, hip replacement, knee replacement and varicose vein surgery.

Online patient feedback linked to hospital performance

Imperial College Londonhas published independent research that links online patient feedback and objective measures of hospital performance. The research, which looked at patient feedback on the NHS Choices website, found that better-rated hospitals tend to have lower death rates and lower readmission rates. Hospitals rated as cleaner by patients were also been found to have lower MRSA rates. For further information, click here.

Patient experience in adult NHS services

NICE has published a quality standard and guidance which aims to ensure that patients have an excellent experience of care in the NHS. The quality standard aims to ensure that patients are given the opportunity to discuss their health beliefs, concerns and preferences in order to individualise their care. The guidance promotes person-centred care that takes into account a patient's needs, concerns and preferences.

Government response to the House of Commons Health Committee Report on Public Expenditure published

This comprehensive and important report is available here.

Single Operating Model for Foundation Trust applications

Between February and May 2012, strategic health authority clusters will be introducing a single operating model (SOM) to support and assure NHS trusts through their foundation trust (FT) applications. Drawing on best practice, the model will introduce one common set of tools, processes and guidance for FT development and application, which are more aligned with Monitor’s authorisation approach and will enable a smoother transition of responsibilities from SHA Clusters to the NHS Trust Development Authority (NTDA) in April 2013.

Dignity Code launched for Older People’s care

A code has been published which sets out the minimum standard of treatment required for older people in hospitals or in the community. The Dignity Code, created by the National Pensioners Convention (NPC), is supported by people in the care industry and many politicians.

Link to the Dignity Code.

Rationing health care: proposal to set out more clearly what is funded by the NHS

This Nuffield Trust report examines both the feasibility, and the advantages and disadvantages, of setting out explicitly the care patients are entitled to, in the form of a nationally specified NHS ‘benefits package’.  It outlines the current system in which decisions for determining which treatments are funded by the NHS are arrived at implicitly and makes several recommendations for how the system could be improved. Read more.

Three new appointments to the DH’s senior team

Dr Felicity Harvey CBE, currently Director of the Implementation Unit in the Cabinet Office, will take up the post of Director General for Public Health.

Charlie Massey, currently Director for Ageing Society and State Pensions at the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), will take up the post of Director General for External Relations.

Karen Wheeler CBE, currently Director for the Department of Health’s transition programme, will take up the post of Director General for Group Operations and Assurance.

MHRA welcomes a new Director of Medical Devices

John Wilkinson OBE has joined the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as Director of Medical Devices.  Read more.

Update from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)

The February e-newsletter Update from the GPhC features modernising pharmacy regulation, reducing renewal fees and introducing revalidation. Read more.

Issue 6 of the NHSLA (NHS Litigation Authority) newsletter Risk E-News is now available.

It includes a standards and assessment update and a spotlight on the NHSLA team. Read it here.

Update from the Kings Fund

The Health & Social Care Bill: new analysis

As the Health and Social Care Bill returns to the House of Lords, what are the implications for service reconfiguration and the failure regime for financially unsustainable providers? This new briefing draws on the debates held during the Bill’s Committee stage in the House of Lords and the Kings Fund’s recent analysis of the issues. Read more.

Search the new health and wellbeing boards directory

More than 130 local authorities have signed up to create shadow health and wellbeing boards with their health partners by April 2012. In this new directory, the Kings Fund shows the details and contact information for health and wellbeing boards in England. Search the directory.

Update from the Picker Institute Europe

Piloting bedside television surveys with Hospedia

The Picker Institute has teamed up with Hospedia, the world’s largest provider of bedside entertainment units, to pilot patient experience surveys using touch screen terminals. Contact  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ">Lucas Daly for more information about this initiative.

Day case surgery survey

The proportion of day case surgery patients has grown steadily over the last few years – but no national survey programme has yet been developed to understand the views and experiences of surgical patients who do not stay in hospital overnight. Contact  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ">Lucas Daly for more information about the survey the Picker Institute is developing to fill this gap.

Always Events© website - using teach-back to ensure correct and consistent use of medication

The Picker Institute in the USAis involved in a project to develop a teach-back training toolkit.  The aim is to ensure that clinicians and physicians always use teach-back strategies to help patients understand their healthcare instructions before discharge. During teach-back, the nurse asks open-ended questions in a non-shaming way so it doesn’t sound like a test. Click here for more information.

 

General Medical Council (GMC)

www.gmc-uk.org 

GMC updates Patient Safety Guidance and Professional Leadership Guidance, which come into effect on 12 March

Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety makes clear that doctors have a duty to act when they believe patient safety is at risk, or when a patient’s care or dignity is being compromised. The guidance explains when doctors need to raise concerns and advises on the help and support available to them, including how to tackle any barriers that they may face.

Leadership and Management for all Doctors is aimed at helping doctors understand their responsibilities in relation to employment issues; teaching and training; as well as planning, using and managing resources.

The new GMC Liaison Service, which builds on the GMC’s ambition to be more proactive with a stronger local presence, will use the guidance and work with Medical Directors, doctors and patients groups to help foster openness and a willingness to speak out throughout the health service. Copies of the guidance have been sent to all doctors on the medical register. For further information please contact Ian Hicks, Policy Manager at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Call for evidence to inform the review of the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) test, closes 30 April 2012

The GMC has launched a call for written evidence to inform the latest review of the PLAB test. The test is designed to ensure doctors from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) have the knowledge and skills they need to practise medicine in theUK. The call for written evidence is the first part of the review, which will help to ensure the test remains fit for purpose for future candidates.

The GMC wishes to hear the views of anyone who has an interest in the arrangements for the admission of non-EEA doctors to the medical register. Click here to see the questions in full and take part. Or email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. "> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

www.nmc.org.uk

NMC – Meet the Independent Sector events – 22 March

Meet the NMC events are aimed at senior staff in the independent sector. The event is for anyone who has responsibility for nurses or midwives working in the independent acute sector, including mental health and learning disabilities. Apply for a free place here.

The Meet the NMC events offer you the opportunity to meet the NMC team of directors, find out more about its work and discuss the issues that matter to you. During the event you will have the opportunity to visit two of its sites, at23 Portland Placeand at 61 Aldwych.

Click here for a full list of NMC events around the country

CHRE announces terms of review of the NMC

The Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence has announced the terms for the strategic review of the NMC. Full details of the terms and the NMC’s full statement can be found here.

Call for whistleblowing evidence

The Older People's Commissioner for Wales (OPCW) would like to hear from health professionals who have worked with older people in Wales and have had experience of raising concerns in the workplace. OPCW want to hear about positive and negative experiences of whistleblowing – in particular, any barriers or difficulties you faced. You can contact them anonymously.  

 

Health Professions Council (HPC)

www.hpc-uk.com

The latest HPC ‘In Focus’ newsletter was published in February and is available here. It includes details of upcoming events, new contact details for the NMC, new appointments, a focus on delegation and supervision of new consultants.

 

NICE Guidance

www.nice.org.uk 

NICE published the following guidance in February 2012: 

Improving access to NICE-approved drugs

NICE is to produce a best practice guide to help NHS trusts develop local formularies, as part of a move to ensure that all patients in Englandhave access to clinically and cost-effective drugs. This comes as latest findings reveal that not all local formularies are including all of NICE's technology appraisals. Read more.

Making sure pregnant and breastfeeding women receive vitamin D

Certain groups of people are at particular risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as pregnant women and those who breastfeed. NICE has recognised this and produced public health guidance on maternal and child nutrition which recommends the use of vitamin D supplements to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. Read more.

Clinical case scenarios

NICE has developed a number of new clinical case scenarios to help improve and assess users' knowledge of NICE guidance. The case scenarios are an excellent educational resource that can be used for individual or group learning. This month, NICE have case scenarios covering its guidance on adult and paediatric epilepsy, self harm and colorectal cancer. Read more.

Recruitment of a Chair for the Quality Standard Topic Expert Group for Self Harm, application deadline is 14 March

Information on this post and others is available on the NICE website. 

Recruitment of a pharmacist to the Quality Standard Topic Expert Group for Hypertension, application deadline is 27 March

Information on the post is available here.

Invitation to attend three NICE stakeholder scoping workshops

IHAS is a registered stakeholder for the following three clinical guidelines and have been offered one place at each workshop to help inform the scope of the guideline.

Referral for Suspected Cancer, 19 March in Manchester

If you would like to attend, please email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  by 9 March.

Clinical guideline: The management of atrial fibrillation (update)

If you would like to attend, please email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  by 5 April.

Chronic Kidney Disease (update), 20 April in London

If you would like to attend, please email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  by 10 April.

NICE Guidelines manual consultation, closes 9 May

NICE has updated for consultation its ‘guidelines manual’, which describes the detailed process and methodology used to produce NICE clinical guidelines. Click here for more details.

 

Information Technology

Congratulations to Stephen Hinde of Bupa who has been elected as the NIGB Deputy Chair with immediate effect.

Issue 5 of the NIGB Newsletter has been published on the NIGB website.

NHS Connecting for HealthMobileWorking Knowledge Centre 

The potential benefits for mobile working in healthcare are considerable and well-publicised. However, significant challenges exist in developing the right strategies and delivering successful programmes to achieve the return on investment. This Knowledge Centre brings together good practice, tools and experience to provide support and guidance for those initiating and implementing mobile working programmes and projects. Read more. NIGB Annual Report 2011

Demographics and NHS Number e-news

NHS Connecting for Health has published a second roundup of the latest news from the national Demographics and NHS Number programmes. Articles include: the NHS operating framework, Payment by results 2012-13 Road Test Package and NHS numbers for babies. Read here.

 

Consultations

CHRE (Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence) consultation on Standards for members of NHS boards and governing bodies inEngland, closes 10 April 

The Standards build on work already done in this area, including by the National Leadership Council, and are consistent with the Nolan Principles on Public Life and other regulatory frameworks. Click here for more information.

Cabinet Office consultation on 'Introducing a Statutory Register of Lobbyists', closes 13 April

The Government believe that a Statutory Register is an important step towards making politics more transparent and accessible. The Consultation asks questions on what a register should look like, what should be the definition of lobbyist, what sort of information should be held on the register and what penalties should be in place for non-registration. Read more.

Law Commissions’ consultation on Health and social care professional regulation, closes 31 May

The Law Commissions of England andWales,ScotlandandNorthern Irelandare seeking views on the regulation of health care professionals in theUKand social workers inEngland. In their first joint consultation, the Commissions are asking how a new legal framework would:

  • give the regulators increased flexibility in the use of their powers while ensuring public accountability;
  • enable them to ensure proper standards of professional education, conduct and practice; and
  • have at its heart a duty on the regulators to protect the public.

Law Commissioner Frances Patterson QC said: “The existing legal framework is complex and expensive. This consultation will inform our joint project to establish a regulatory system for the four countries of theUKthat is clear, consistent and modern”.

Read more.

IHAS Consultation Responses

 

DH Chief Executive Bulletins

www.dh.gov.uk

NHS prescription and dental charges 

Charges for NHS prescriptions, wigs and fabric supports and NHS dental treatment will increase from 1 April 2012. The cost of a 3 month (£29.10) and 12 month prescription prepayment certificate (£104) remains unchanged.

Link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/03/nhs-charges

Have your say on the draft dignity report

The Commission on Improving Dignity in Care for Older People, set up by the NHS Confederation, Age UK and the Local Government Association, is inviting feedback on its draft dignity report. Focused on the care of older people in hospitals and care homes, the draft report recommends changes to culture, leadership, management, staff development, clinical practice and service delivery. Read the report and tell the Commission your views by 27 March 2012.

Link: http://www.nhsconfed.org/priorities/Quality/Partnership-on-dignity/Pages/Partnership-on-dignity-in-care.aspx

Understanding the current NHS pricing systems

A new report, published by Monitor but undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers about the current NHS pricing system highlights the importance of good quality information. The Government wants Monitor to take on joint responsibility for pricing with the NHS Commissioning Board, subject to the passage of the Health and Social Care Bill.

Link: http://www.monitor-nhsft.gov.uk/home/news-events-and-publications/our-publications/browse-category/about-monitor/monitors-proposed-n-0

Signals – emerging patient safety issues - NPSA

The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has published its latest set of Signals – emerging patient safety issues identified from a review of serious incidents. The NPSA would be pleased to receive comments and anonymised local investigations.

Link: http://www.nrls.npsa.nhs.uk/resources/type/signals/

Sector Regulation - a short guide to the Health and Social Care Bill

The Department has published an overview of the Government’s proposals to introduce a sector regulation regime, which will apply to all NHS funded health services (Part 3 of the Bill). It also outlines planned legislative changes designed to increase autonomy and strengthen accountability for foundation trusts (Part 4 of the Bill).

Link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/02/sector-regulation/

NHS pensions proposals: the facts

The Government set out the key terms of an improved pension offer for NHS staff on 20 December 2011. Since then, the Department of Health has held constructive talks with NHS Employers and the NHS trades unions to consider the details.

A new pension fact sheet and an online calculator are available on the Department of Health website. The calculator relates to proposals for a new NHS pension scheme from 2015 and has been developed by an independent pension specialist working with NHS trades unions, the Department of Health and NHS Employers. 

Link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/02/pension-factsheets/

Calculator: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/02/pension-calculators

Promoting of personal injury legal services in NHS premises

Following recent media and parliamentary interest in advertising and other forms of promotion of the services of personal injury lawyers or claims management companies on NHS premises, David Nicholson has written to clarify that these should not be supported as they risk undermining the NHS's relationship with, and responsibilities to patients.

Link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/02/personal-injury-legal-services/

Letter from Una O'Brien inviting honour nominations for New Year 2013

Honours are an important public recognition of the achievements of ordinary people who do extraordinary things. As a nation, we value the contribution that the care system makes to people's health and wellbeing, and honours are a visible celebration of the success of people who really make a difference. Honour nominations need to be submitted by Wednesday 28 March 2012.

Link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/02/honours-nominations/

Healthcare public health advice (core offer)

The latest draft guidance on the healthcare public health advice (the 'core offer'), intends to help commissioners with local planning in this transition year. To help refine the guidance and issue it to the service in a timely way, people are invited to comment by 30 March 2012.

Link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/02/local-public-health-guidance/

Duration of the NHS Standard Contract 2012-13

The 2012-13 NHS Standard Contract was issued with a default duration and will expire on 31 March 2013. SHA clusters have the discretion to approve an extended duration up to a maximum of three years. This letter from David Flory gives guidance on the processes to be adopted.

Link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/02/guidance-nhs-standard-contract/

The impact of patient age on clinical decision-making in oncology

This report sets out the results of a study investigating the extent to which age is a factor in oncology treatment decisions. The results suggest that clinicians may over rely on chronological age as a proxy for other factors which are often but not necessarily associated with age such as co-morbidities and frailty. Link: http://www.cancerinfo.nhs.uk/healthcare-professional/ncei/reports

The use of 084 numbers in the NHS: further guidance

This document supplies further guidance on the use of 084 numbers in the NHS, clarifying a number of issues that have arisen since the publication of Directions to NHS Bodies in December 2009.

Link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/02/084-numbers/

NHS Choices Annual Report 2011

The NHS ChoiceAnnual Report 2011 has been published. The report gives an overview of the NHS Choices service and its achievements over the past year. NHS Choices has grown to become the most popular health website in theUKand now has more than 11 million visits each month.

Link: http://www.nhs.uk/aboutNHSChoices/professionals/developments/Pages/annual-report.aspx

Safe and secure handling of medicines

In response to concerns about the safe and secure handling of medicines, and to support patient safety, all hospitals are requested to submit recent audit results of their compliance with published standards for the handling of medicines to the CQC by 31 March 2012.

Link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/02/medicines-security-audit/

Developing the new NHS provider licence

Monitor has published a number of engagement documents on its proposed licensing regime, as set out in the Health and Social Care Bill (subject to parliamentary approval).

Link: http://www.monitor-nhsft.gov.uk/home/monitors-new-role/licensing-providers/stakeholder-engagement-the-licence

CHRE consult on standards for NHS board members and governing bodies

The Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) is consulting on draft standards for members of NHS boards and governing bodies inEngland. The standards would commit individuals to a code of personal behaviour, technical competence and business practices.

Link: http://www.chre.org.uk/satellite/413

Payment by Results (PbR): confirmation of arrangements for 2012-13 

Information and guidance in support of Payment by Results in 2012-13 has been published. The 2012-13 PbR guidance has been clarified and expanded in a number of areas in response to feedback received on the draft guidance.

Link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/02/confirmation-pbr-arrangements

Quality Accounts

The Department has asked the Audit Commission to instruct auditors to undertake external assurance of NHS acute and mental health trusts' 2011-12 Quality Accounts. Guidance will follow. New mandatory information is proposed for the 2012-13 round of Quality Accounts and trusts are invited to consider including this in their 2011-12 Accounts.

Link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/02/quality-account-reporting

Reports on management of controlled drugs in different healthcare settings

The National Prescribing Centre has this week published three reports on their website concerning the management of controlled drugs by ambulance trusts, by paramedics, by private prescribers and in prisons. This letter fromDrKeithRidge, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, to all PCT chief executives draws attention to the findings and recommendations.

Link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/02/npc-reports/

Commissioning for Quality and Innovation scheme (CQUIN)

Patient experience CQUIN data is now available to all NHS trusts. It will be available by the end of February 2012 to all SHAs to share with commissioners. This will support assessment and setting of thresholds for the national goal of improving responsiveness to the personal needs of patients.

Link: http://www.institute.nhs.uk/world_class_commissioning/pct_portal/cquin.html

Final annual report of the National Leadership Council

The final annual report of the National Leadership Council (NLC) is now available, summarising the significant progress made on developing NHS leadership over the last two years. Link: http://www.nhsleadership.org/about-nlcfirstyearthefoundat.asp

 

Conferences

NICE Annual Conference 2012, 15-16 May 2012 at The ICC, Birmingham 

The 2012 conference will focus specifically on the future of NICE, where it fits with the current reforms and fostering a better relationship between industry and the NHS. IHAS members can receive the public sector rate. Call 0845 056 8339 and quote H202-IHAS to register. IHAS is officially endorsing this conference. Confirmed speakers include:

  • Sir Andrew Dillon, Chief Executive, NICE
  • Andrew Lansley, Secretary of State for Health
  • Phil Hammond, GP and Broadcaster
  • Peter Ellingworth, Chief Executive, ABHI
  • Dr James Kingsland, National Clinical Lead, NHS Commissioning Community and President, National Association of Primary Care (NAPC)
  • Danny Keenan, Chair, Commissioning Outcomes Framework Committee
  • Stephen Whitehead, Chief Executive Officer, ABPI
  • Andy McKeon, Non-executive Director, NICE and Managing Director of Health, Audit Commission
  • Dr Gillian Leng, Deputy Chief Executive, NICE and Chief Operating Officer, NHS Evidence
  • Ewan Philips, Chief Executive, Deltex Medical Group

For key updates and the latest speakers, click here.

BMA Private Practice Conference 2012, 22 March 2012

The conference will explore the changing landscape of private practice; the benefits of patient experience surveys; information about the new regulatory system; and ethical consideration for private practice doctors. Book here.

Free Engaging Stakeholders – for effective crisis communications, issues and reputation management, 22 March, 1.00-5.30pm in London

Topics include: Post-Leveson: is self-regulation still viable? Engaging with political stakeholders; and Value and Values: the new reputational paradigm. To register or for more information, telephone 020 7690 8885 or email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

GovKnow 2ndAnnual Health and Social Care Conference, 29 March 2012

Topics include: Regulation in the health and social care sector, especially the changing roles of the Care Quality Commission and Monitor and the role of the independent sector as a key supplier of healthcare services. Book here.

Partnership Event: Delivering the workforce agenda, a one day seminar for independent sector providers, 18 April

IHAS, Laing and Buisson, Skills for Health, NHS Partners, National Care Forum

This seminar provides the opportunity for providers of independent health and social care to examine the workforce challenges that the sector will face following the Health and Social Care Bill.  It will examine ways in which the sector can influence the delivery of training, workforce development and develop partnership working with the “new” NHS.

  • Debbie Mellor, Deputy Director, Workforce Education Branch, Department of Health
  • Professor Moira Livingston, Director of Commissioning, Centre for Workforce Intelligence
  • John Herring, Programme Director and Kathy Tyler, Director of London and South East, Skills for Health
  • Louise Banks and Sarah Copley, NHS Midlands and East, Workforce Intelligence and Development Team
  • Mark Hunt, Care UK
  • Chaired by: Catherine Ward, Group Director People and Communications, General Healthcare Group

GovNet Employee Reward and Benefit Conference, 18 April 2012

The conference will advise on how to lead an engaged, motivated and productive workforce. Read more.

Developing clinical senates and networks: commissioning, integration and efficiency, 24 April 2012

This seminar will explore the role of clinical senates and clinical networks in the new NHS landscape following changes outlined in the Health and Social Care Bill. Click here for more details.

PiF (Patient Information Forum) Annual Conference – Choice: Valueless without meaningful information, 1 May 2012, in Birmingham 

Click here for more information.

Radcliffes LeBrasseur Learning Disability and the Law Conference, 23 May 2012

Topics include: Assessment of capacity and the interaction of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards; Sefton and beyond: Care home fees and responding to difficult Commissioners; and Quality Assurance in Learning Disability post Winterbourne View. Click here for more information.

Patient Safety Congress 2012, 28-30 May, Birmingham

The UK’s largest patient safety event is themed – improving safety and efficiency in austere times. The programme covers all aspects of patient safety; clinical risks, systems approaches and human factors, leadership, patient experience, risk management and care pathways. Click here for more information. IHAS members receive a 25% discount – quote

NHS reforms: Developing the healthcare workforce - challenges, revalidation and managing the transition, Westminster Health Forum Conference, 7 June 2012

Click here for more details.

Clinical Commissioning Groups: The changing face of primary care and the role of the GP, 13 June

Click here for more information.

The Future of Health Services inWales, 25 June, Cardiff

This will be a key conference for WIHA members in light of the recently published Together for Health and has speakers from the National Assembly for Wales, NHS Wales and the third sector. Click here for more information.

Dentistry 2012 – Quality, access and regulation, 12 July

This conference will assess the impact of the dental pilot on the industry and the dental contract. It will also discuss the CQC’s role in regulating dentistry and the OFT’s investigation into the UKdentistry market. Read more.

The Future of Regulation in Health and Social Care, 13 September

There will be keynote presentations from Monitor and the CQC and discussion on structural reforms and quality and safety. Click here for more information.

Healthcare Estates 2012 – Exhibition and Conference, 9-10 October, Manchester

This event is already 50% full, email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  if you would like to book a stand.

Laing & Buisson Independent Healthcare Awards 2012, 18 September 2012 at the London Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square

Now in their 7th year, these awards are a key feature in the industry’s calendar. There are 21 categories this year. http://www.laingbuisson.co.uk

 

Coming up next month 

  • National Quality Board
  • IT Council
  • Cosmetic Surgery/Treatments meeting discusses the implication of the European Standard
  • Treatments you can Trust Governance Group meets
  • BMA Private Practice Committee
  • OFT announcement on 22 March as to whether to refer the sector to the Competition Panel

Please ensure that this 'Update' is widely circulated within your organisations.

Sally, Andrew, Lene and Nigel

Tel: 020 7379 8598 or 020 7379 7721

Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Published on Tuesday, 06 March 2012