| Patient Information Conference in its eighth year
The government’s information strategy asserts that “access to good quality information… is an important health and care service in its own right”. It is a powerful statement, but what does it mean and how do we deliver? |
| Regulations on procurement, patient choice and competition
The regulations laid last month have been amended in light of concerns expressed by GPs and others. |
| Interim arrangements for NHS CB number two
The NHS Commissioning Board has announced interim arrangements for the post of chief operating officer and deputy chief executive. |
| Mental health panel issues new guides
Advice and support for commissioners. |
| The patient online: the road map
This guidance from RCGP supports GP practices to provide online access for patients. |
| New network launched for rehabilitation professionals
A new network has been launched to bring together all qualified rehabilitation workers in the UK. |
| New operating model for the commissioning of offender health care
The NHS Commissioning Board (NHS CB) has published the single operating model for the commissioning of offender health services. |
| Bulletin for proposed CCGs: 7 March 2013
Latest CCG bulletin from the NHS Commissioning Board. |
| Resources to improve research information for patients
Resource pack to help NHS trusts raise awareness of clinical research among patients and carers, and deliver on the NHS constitution commitment to provide research information supporting patient choice. |
| Best practice for managing medicines shortages in secondary care
These standards provide advice to NHS hospitals in England in managing medicines shortages at local level to minimise any risks to patients through delays to treatment. |
| Chief medical officer warns over antibiotics
The second volume of the CMO’s annual report covers the threat of antimicrobial resistance and infectious diseases. |
| GP-led groups ready to take charge of NHS budgets in every community in England
NHS Commissioning Board establishes fourth and final wave of clinical commissioning groups. |
| March issue of Commissioning Excellence
Commissioning support needs to be focused on transformation not on transactions, according to Bob Ricketts, the man in charge of commissioning support at the NHS CB. |
| What’s worrying your CCG?
CCGs have no shortage of challenges as they prepare to take the reins on 1 April. Initial responses to the survey point to predictable concerns about the financial pressures on CCGs but some more surprisingly relaxed attitudes in other areas – about the ability to engage with other organisations, for example. |
| Healthy phone apps
The NHS Commissioning Board has launched a library of apps to help people manage their health. |
| England to host international initiative for mental health leadership in 2014
Norman Lamb, minister of state for care services has accepted an invitation for England to host the 2014 exchange. |
| CQC second care update
Care for people with dementia is not meeting their needs as services are struggling to cope, according to the latest care update from Care Quality Commission. |
| Patient and public engagement: still an aspiration?
Engaging with patients and public is vital if NHS and social care organisations are to achieve outcomes, improve quality of services and strengthen bonds with local communities. |
| Local Healthwatch regulations explained
Document to help local Healthwatch audiences understand the legal requirements that have been set out in regulations. |
| Commissioning an integrated footcare pathway
Key recommendations for CCGs to help reduce diabetic amputations by 50%. |
