Text Version 
|
Text Version |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Chief Executive Bulletin
25 - 31 January 2002
|
||
Home
Publications
Chief
Executive Bulletin |
|
Hard copy versions of these publications can be ordered from the NHS Responseline 08701 555 455. Contents: NHS / Social Care interest 1. HSC 2002/001: LAC (2002)1 Guidance on the Single Assessment Process for Older People NHS interest
5. Child Protection Responsibilites of Primary Care Trusts NHS/Social Care interest 1. HSC 2002/001: LAC (2002)1 Guidance on the Single Assessment Process for Older People Guidance is published on the internet on the single assessment process for older people under cover of a health services circular / local authority circular - HSC 2002/00 : LAC (2002)1. The guidance comprises eight documents: key implications for older people, social workers, nurses, therapists, GPs, and geriatricians and old age psychiatrists; guidance for local implementation; and annexes to the guidance. The guidance can be accessed at either www.doh.gov.uk/publications/coinh.html or www.doh.gov.uk/scg/sap The guidance applies to local NHS bodies and councils with social services responsibilities and requires them to develop and implement a single assessment process for older people within their localities. The purpose is to assess the needs of older people more effectively, to increase information sharing, to minimise duplication of assessment, and reduce paperwork. The guidance applies to health and social services professionals working in :
The guidance encourages local NHS and social services to engage housing authorities in implementation because of the links between health, social care and housing needs. Further details about the single assessment process can be obtained from Raymond Warburton, Department of Health, Wellington House, 133 - 155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, telephone 020 7972 4286, or from NHS and social care regional offices. Contact details are given in HSC 2002/001: LAC (2002)1. Ref. 26576. Hard copies of the full guidance mailed to Directors of Social Services and Chief Executives of Health Authorities and Primary Care Trusts. 2. HSC 2002/002 : LAC (2002)3 Mental Health Grant Guidance 2002-03 The mental health grant 2002/03 circular sets out the conditions attached to the core grant and individual CSSRs allocations. This circular also provides the forms required for the administration of MHG in 2002/2003 and the final audit forms for 2001/2002. Ref. 26564. 3. HSC 2002/003 : LAC (2002)2 Implementing the Caldicott Standard into Social Care: Appointment of "Caldicott Guardians" The 1997 Caldicott review of personally identifiable information recommended that "guardians" of personal information be created. The guardians form part of a framework of quality standards designed to safeguard and govern the uses made of confidential information within NHS organisations. The Caldicott standard is now being extended into councils with social services responsibilities (CSSRs), in order to support joint working between health and social services. This document sets out the requirement for CSSRs to appoint a Caldicott guardian by 1 April 2002, and contains a suggested timetable for action. Ref. 26645. 4. Consultation on Guidance on Children in Need and Blood-Borne Viruses: HIV and Hepatitis Draft guidance on children in need and blood-borne viruses was sent out for consultation to local authorities and the NHS on 28 January 2002. The deadline for responses is 26 April 2002. It is intended that the guidance will assist local authority social services departments, health authorities, NHS and primary care trusts and other local service providers in promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children in need in relation to blood-borne viruses. Responses should be sent to Ruth Hickson, Blood and Healthcare Associated Infections Unit, Communicable Disease Branch, Department of Health, Room 631B Skipton House, 80 London Road, London SE1 6LH or by e-mail to Ruth.Hickson@doh.gsi.gov.uk. The guidance and consultation letter are also available on the Department of Health website at http://www.doh.gov.uk/childrenbbvs Ref. 26452. Mailed to NHS and Local Authority Chief Executives and Directors of Social Care. NHS interest 5. Child Protection Responsibilites of Primary Care Trusts From April 2002, current health authority responsibility for securing the provision of the health contribution to child protection services will begin to be devolved to PCTs. The exercise of responsibility for child protection involves more than the specific clinical service; it necessitates PCTs exercising a public health responsibility for a whole population. It will require good partnership working with all stakeholders, in particular councils with social services responsibilities. PCTs should already be working towards developing their understanding of the issues involved. Full details of action required 6. Delivering NHS Numbers for Babies Responsibility for issuing NHS numbers to babies will transfer from the Registrar of Births and Deaths to NHS trusts at the end of October 2002. Several actions are required by trusts with maternity units and by community child health departments. This will involve changes to computer systems, working procedures and infrastructure:
Further guidance is provided in the full briefing paper at: www.doh.gov.uk/ipu/whatnew/nn4bguidance.htm On 23 January the Secretary of State held a day surgery summit at King's Healthcare NHS Trust. The aim of the summit was to discuss how day surgery might be expanded to provide faster, more efficient care for patients. All of the parties involved in day surgery were at the summit including, representatives from patients groups, the Royal College of Surgeons, British Association of Day Surgery (BADS), nurses, a GP, an anaesthetist, a chief executive of a strategic health authority, the Audit Commission, and the Modernisation Agency. At the summit Mr Milburn announced the appointment of Professor Ara Darzi as an adviser in surgery to the department. As part of this role he asked Professor Darzi to take away the points raised at the Summit to develop a strategy to improve day surgery rates. Professor Darzi will undertake this task in discussion with BADS, the Audit Commission, the Modernisation Agency and other interested parties. It is also proposed that Professor Darzi will chair a summit of those hospitals that are performing below average numbers of day surgery cases. 8. Launch of the Diagnostic and Treatment Centre Programme 10.00am - 2.00pm, Wednesday 6 February, Café Royal, 68 Regent's Street, London W1 A few places are still available for the launch of the NHS Modernisation Agency's diagnostic and treatment centre programme next Wednesday 6 February 02. This event will provide an opportunity to meet the programme team and key Department of Health colleagues. Speakers will describe their experiences of setting up services, and will be able to network with colleagues who are currently planning DTCs. The Agency expects to tailor this programme according to the needs of organisations planning different types of facilities and who are at different stages of their work. This event is therefore an important chance to help shape the programme itself and will provide an opportunity for delegates to express an interest in participating in the first part of the programme. Registration forms must be completed for all delegates. If you would like your organisation or health community to be represented, or would like to see a programme for the event, registration forms and an outline of the day's programme can be found at: www.doh.gov.uk/diagnostictreatmentcentres Registration forms should be sent to gaynor.woods@npat.nhs.uk and copied to: judith.wright@doh.gsi.gov.uk Queries should be addressed to Judith Wright in the first instance, either at the above email address or on 020 7972 2752. 9. Resource Pack Supporting the Implementation of Patient Advice and Liaison Services A resource pack is now available to support the implementation of patient advice and liaison services in trusts. The pack is a practical guide in setting up and getting the best from PALS and is based on the experiences of pathfinder PALS. The pack also includes core standards to clarify the role of PALS. Copies will be sent to all NHS trusts, health authorities and CHCs. Copies are also available on our web site www.doh.gov.uk/patientadviceandliaisonservices 10. NHS Record Keeping: Accountability and Shifting the Balance of Power Organisation changes arising from Shifting the Balance of Power will require action to secure existing NHS records and make sure records needed for current business are moved to where they are needed. Guidance on NHS record keeping is in HSC 1999/053 For The Record: Managing records in NHS Trusts and Health Authorities. The HSC was due for review in March 2001 but the review has been postponed to allow for changes needed to meet the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. In the meantime, the principles, good practice guidance and retention and disposal information it contains are all still valid and it will now remain current until further notice. CEs are requested to note this information and cascade as appropriate within their organisation. HSC 1999/053 continues to be listed as a key reference and information source in the controls assurance records management standard for 2001-2002 which now includes a criterion to reflect accountability arrangements. HSC 1999/053 will remain the appropriate source of record keeping guidance for all NHS bodies, including StHAs and PCTs, as Shifting the Balance of Power policy is implemented. All controls assurance standards, including records management, have already been reformatted to include PCT guidance. The circular and appendices are available on the NHS records management web site at www.doh.gov.uk/nhsexec/manrec.htm 11. Improving Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) Data Quality 2001 - 02 for use in Department of Health Analyses Including Performance Indicators and Performance Ratings Chief Executives and HES data quality nominees at NHS hospital trusts and PCTs can gain access via www.doh.gov.uk/hes/data_quality/sign_up.html to documents for the sign up process for the quality of 2001-02 HES data. If required, paper versions can be obtained from the HES team (tel: 020 7972 6039). Chief Executives are required to indicate into which of two categories the data for their trust falls and return the signed document to HES at the Department of Health by 29 March 2002 at the latest. Any trusts that have not completed and returned their forms by the above date will be assumed to be content with the quality of their data. 12. Monitoring NHSnet Connections (Target IMT01) in NHS Organisations The Information Policy Unit and the NHS Information Authority have produced a proforma to monitor progress towards Target IMT01 (100% of clinical and support staff to have connection to NHSnet by 31 March 2002) in local implementation strategies. All NHS trusts, including PCTs, should ensure the attached proforma is completed by 28 February 2002 with details on clinical staff numbers and how many have access to NHSnet for email and web browsing. More information, and a copy of the proforma, are available on: nww.nhsia.nhs.uk/nhsnet/pages/connecting/nhsconnect/proforma_intro.asp 13. Trust-Based Acute IP Survey - Tendering with 'Approved Surveyors' DH is aware that a number of trusts have been approaching the 'approved survey contractors' (p15 of Guidance document), with a view to setting up their own local tendering process, ahead of establishing their contract. This note is to confirm that the approved suppliers as listed, have been selected via competitive tender to provide the framework arrangement which enables trusts to enter into contracts without the need for further competition. Guidance available at: www.doh.gov.uk/acutesurvey/ 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 - ©2002 Back to Chief Executive's Bulletin Home Page
Published by the
Department of Health |