Department of Health

Chief Executives' Bulletin 24-30 March 2000 Issue 8

Go back to referring page

Main Page

 

NHS interest

Modernisation of NHS Research and Development

"Research and Development for a First Class Service: R&D Funding in the new NHS" sets out a new statement of policy and principles for NHS R&D Funding together with a programme to develop a quality framework for NHS R&D. These reforms will:

  • Ensure NHS R&D funding supports the modernisation of the NHS.
  • Target NHS money on the R&D priorities and needs of the NHS, and on providing the NHS base for high quality science.
  • Focus NHS R&D in areas of top priority for the NHS, initially in the key areas of cancer, heart disease and mental health.
  • Promote joined up working between partners in R&D - illustrated by the new strategic alliance between the Department of Health and the Higher Education Funding Council for England.
  • Promote effective collaborations, partnerships and networks between researchers and the organisations involved with R&D in the NHS.
  • Improve governance and accountability for the use of NHS R&D funds.
  • Strengthen performance management of NHS spending linked to R&D.

Research and Development for a First Class Service: R&D funding in the new NHS is available at http://www.doh.gov.uk/research/rdannounce.htm

The report of the Strategic Review of the NHS R&D Levy, on which the programme is based, is on the same web site. Annexed to it are reports on research priorities for the NHS in: cancer; heart disease and stroke; mental health; primary care; ageing; and accidental injury.

Copies of these papers can also be obtained from Leesa Rayton, Research and Development Directorate, Department of Health, Room 5W58 Quarry House, Leeds. LS2 7UE, telephone 0113-2546163, e-mail: leesa.rayton@doh.gsi.gov.uk

 

Compensation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

27/3/00 - The Department of Trade and Industry has authorised the companies Healthcall and MPC to obtain the medical records of some 100,000 miners seeking compensation for respiratory disease. MPC will provide NHS organisations with a list of the claimants for whom they will be seeking records and will visit premises to scan the records. Prior to scanning the records, MPC will provide a signed mandate from the claimant (or their widow or estate) confirming that they consent to the release of their records for these purposes. NHS organisations will be paid fees by the DTI to cover the cost of retrieving records. It is important to note that this is not a request for access to the record by the claimant or the claimant's lawyer and it is a request by the DTI for disclosure of records in connection with ongoing litigation. NHS organisations are asked to do their utmost to co-operate with the DTI and their agents. Further details are given in a letter issued by Sir Alan Langlands on 28 March.

Ref. 21394 e-mailed to CE's of HA'a and Trusts

 

The link between the Requirements for Accreditation (RFA) and Computer Reimbursement

28/3/00 - RFA99 (General Medical Practice Computer Systems Requirements for Accreditation - RFA99) was published in October 1999 and accreditation testing will be routinely available for suppliers from April 2000. Consequently all references to RFA4 which specify a link to computer reimbursement decisions within paragraph 3 of FHSL(97)47 PDF fileshould now be read as though the term RFA4 was replaced by RFA99.

For further details please look at link to letter PDF file

Ref. 21309 Mailed to HA Finance Directors 28/3/00

 

"The GP Registrar Scheme - Vocational Training for General Medical Practice - the UK Guide"

HSC 1999/230 PDF file, issued in October 1999, notified the NHS and the medical profession of the planned introduction of enhanced management arrangements for general practice vocational training from 1 April 2000.

The Department of Health has now published comprehensive guidance setting out the new arrangements for the management and delivery of general practice vocational training. The guidance applies to the whole of the United Kingdom and may be read in conjunction with the Directions to Health Authorities concerning GP Registrars. These arrangements replace those previously set out in paragraph 38 of the Statement of Fees and Allowances.

Copies of the guidance are being distributed directly to those most closely involved in GP training, and it is also available in an electronic version on the Department of Health website http://www.doh.gov.uk/medicaltrainingintheuk/ Further copies may be obtained from the Department of Health, PO Box 777, London, SE1 6HX.

Ref. 20853 Also mailed to HA Directors of Finance

 

 

NHS/Social Care interest

Implementation of Health Act - Partnership Arrangements

HSC 2000/010 : LAC (2000)9 in HTML

HSC 2000/010 : LAC (2000)9 in Portable Document Format PDF file

27/3/00 - The aim of the 1999 Health Act Section 31 Partnership Arrangements is to improve services for users, through pooled funds and the delegation of functions, (lead commissioning and integrated provision). They are permissive powers to support better co-ordination and innovative approaches to securing services. The HSC 2000/10 LAC(2000)9 must be read in conjunction with the Regulations (2000/617). "NHS Bodies and Local Authorities Partnership Arrangements Regulations 2000" http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2000/20000617.htm Partners wishing to use the arrangements must notify the appropriate NHS regional office of their intention to use the powers. They will be key to national and local strategies as identified in the Health Improvement Plan. Further guidance can be found on the DH website, at http://www.doh.gov.uk/jointunit/partnership.htm with links to associated guidance.

Ref. 21395 To be mailed to Chairs of HA's, Trusts, PCG's and CE's of Primary Care Trusts w/c 3/4/00 Hard copies available 6/4/00.

 

The Social Services Inspectorate - Who we are and what we do

CI(2000)5 PDF file

27/3/00 - The Social Services Inspectorate - Who we are and what we do will help you get the maximum benefit from your contact with us. I would be grateful if you would circulate it widely amongst your staff.

Booklet

http://www.doh.gov.uk/scg/ssiwwawwd.htm

Ref. CI letter 20870 Report 20871 Mailed to Directors of Social Services 29/3/00 Hard copies available.

 

 

There has been a delay in the production of hard copies of "The National Service Framework (NSF) on Coronary Heart Disease" - mentioned in Bulletin issue 5 (3-9 March 2000). These will be mailed to HAs, Trusts, PCGs, GP practices and Local Authorities week commencing 3 April 2000. Copies requested from the Responseline will be sent shortly afterwards.

 

 

Social Services Interest

Support Grant for Social Services for People with Aids:

Financial 2000/2001 Year - Supplementary Credit Approvals for Hiv/Aids Housing Related Expenditure: Financial Year 2000/2001

LAC(2000)12 PDF file

29/3/00 - This circular explains arrangements for continuation in 2000/2001 of the AIDS Support Grant scheme. Authorities are invited to submit expenditure plans for 2000/2001 against the indicative allocations attached at Annex B as soon as possible but no later than 28 April 2000.

Authorities are also invited to bid for a Supplementary Credit Approval for HIV/AIDS related housing projects.

Ref. 21389 Hard copies available 4/4/00

 

 

The documents in this bulletin are Crown copyright but may be reproduced by NHS and Local Authority staff without formal permission or charge for personal or in-house use - ©2000

Back to Chief Executive's Bulletin Home Page


Blueball Information Blueball Help Blueball Feedback Redball Search

Published by the NHS Executive
© Crown Copyright 2000
This page last updated 31 March 2000