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the week: issue 55, 18 - 24 July 2008

  • Last modified date:
    25 July 2008
  • Series number:
    55

Published every Thursday, the week provides need-to-know news, consultations and events for chief executives and their teams. It provides links to more information and resources, highlighting areas for action.

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On the agenda

National drive to curb obesity launched - Partnership with NHS and schools

The Government is launching a national movement called Change4Life to tackle obesity, one of the biggest health issues facing the UK. It will assist parents in making healthier food choices for their children and encourage activities like outdoor play, walking and cycling.

The movement will work in collaboration with other government departments, the NHS, schools and voluntary groups, as well as commercial and media partners. The link between the condition and illnesses like diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer and mental illness is undeniable.

Care Quality Commission head announced - SHA leader to take on new post.

The Care Quality Commission has announced the appointment of a chief executive. Cynthia Bower, currently chief executive of NHS West Midlands will take up the post from next month. She has previously held positions leading a community health trust and a PCT, as well as having experience of children’s services, mental health and intermediate care for older adults.

The new body will replace three existing regulatory bodies – the Commission for Social Care Inspection, the Healthcare Commission and the Mental Health Act Commission.

New check-ups for doctors proposed - Patients given key role in registration

Plans to introduce new registration requirements for doctors announced by the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, are aimed at improving patient safety and supporting professionals. The report, ‘Medical Revalidation - Principles and Next Steps’, will require doctors to renew their professional registration every five years. Patients will play an important role and be asked for their views on their doctor in areas such as communication.

The revalidation and recertification process will be introduced in stages from spring next year following a series of pilots.

Policy news

1. Extension of human papillomavirus vaccination (Gateway reference number: 10266)

The Department of Health has announced that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme is being extended to offer protection to girls aged 17-18 starting in September 2008.

Action: PCTs need to know that the programme is being extended from 12-13 year old girls to the older age group, and they will be receiving extra support for this. 

Consultations and evaluations

2. Health Act flexibilities and grant arrangements (ROCR/OR/0226 and Gateway reference number: 10200)

NHS organisations  are  reminded that they should notify the Department of Health of all intended use of S.75 (previously S.31) Health Act flexibilities and are required  to  provide an annual update of any arrangements including use of S.256 and S.76 grants (previously known as S.28 Grants).

Action: Information on how trusts can submit updates and new returns, and these should be resubmitted annually, available at:

Publications

3. Code of conduct for LINks’ visits (Gateway reference number: 10194)

Local Involvement Networks (LINks) aim to help shape local care services. Under the law, their representatives can enter and view certain health and care services. To help ensure that these visits are carried out correctly a code of conduct has been published.

Action: You can download the code in order to brief service providers in your trusts and local authorities so they are familiar with it. Available at:

4. Extra care housing (Gateway reference number: 10279)

Health Minister Ivan Lewis announced the successful bids for the £80 million Extra Care Housing Fund on 21 July. Twenty-five schemes will receive funding providing more than 2,000 additional units of accommodation across the 10 SHA areas.

Action: Local authority chief executives can see that this confirms funding arrangements already in place. Further details are available at:

5. Short breaks provision (Gateway reference number: 9930)

Guidance has now been published to support the provision of short breaks over the next three years. It should be read in conjunction with other resources for the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme.

Action: This guidance should be used by PCTs when shaping their response to the 2008/09 NHS Operating Framework priorities.

6. Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: six months on (Gateway reference number: 10260)

This newsletter provides an update on progress since the Government’s obesity strategy Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: A Cross-Government Strategy for England was published in January 2008.

Action: Government progress on tackling obesity is outlined in this newsletter.

7. NHS60 playday for children and young people (Gateway reference number: 10256)

Play England, the lottery-funded organisers of Playday, have developed special guidance on organising play activities in hospitals and health care settings to mark the 60th anniversary of the NHS. The guidance has been developed to encourage trusts to take part in Playday on Wednesday 6 August.

Action: NHS chief executives wishing to find out more can download the information pack. There is also a support line 020 7843 6300 to obtain further help to organise and plan events, and an email address:

Conferences and events - i) what’s new

8. Making Hospital at Night mainstream and beyond (Gateway reference number: 10296)

To showcase Hospital at Night we are holding a conference on the 19 September 2008 at the QEII Conference Centre, London that will highlight the benefits to trusts including the potential impact on length of stay and patient safety.

Action: To find out more and register an interest in attending please see:

Conferences and events - ii) places still available

No news this week

Patient safety alerts

9. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT – MDA/2008/051 (Gateway reference number: 10290)

Device: Kimal safety fistula needle (all product codes and lots).

This Medical Device Alert was issued on 21 July 2008 to NHS trusts for immediate action.

Further information can be found at:

10. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT – MDA/2008/052 (Gateway reference number: 10291 )

Device: Puma and Beatle battery powered wheelchairs manufactured by Movingpeople.net or Handicare.

Device Alert was issued on 21 July 2008 to NHS trusts and social services for action.

Further information can be found at:

11. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT – MDA/2008/053 (Gateway reference number: 10292)

Device: Unomedical OP suction tubing lot 182281 only.
Product code 16172182.
NHS Supply Chain code FWP088.

Device Alert was issued on 22 July 2008 to NHS trusts for action.

Further information can be found at:

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