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HEALTH SECRETARY ANNOUNCES NEW ARCHITECTURE OF THE LOCAL NHS	Fri 28 April 06
DOH:HEALTH SECRETARY ANNOUNCES NEW ARCHITECTURE OF THE LOCAL NHS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0142 12 April 2006 HEALTH SECRETARY ANNOUNCES NEW ARCHITECTURE OF THE LOCAL NHS Secretary of State for Health, Patricia Hewitt today announced a reorganisation of Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) in England. This is the first announcement from the Commissioning a Patient-Led NHS consultation, which ended on 22nd March. The number of SHAs will be reduced from 28 to 10 and will ensure the NHS is structurally able to deliver the next stage of health reforms. Fewer, more strategic organisations will deliver stronger commissioning functions, leading to improved services for patients and streamlined back office functions will mean better value for money for the taxpayer. Taken alongside the planned reorganisation of primary care trusts (PCTs), details of which will be announced shortly, these changes will: Strengthen the architecture of the local NHS. Save money by streamlining management and administration to provide better value for money so greater resources can be dedicated to patient care. This is another step towards creating an NHS which is patient-led. Cut out unnecessary bureaucracy by bringing together administration services and reducing the duplication of administration, human resource functions, accounts and hospital contract negotiation teams. The new configuration of SHAs means they will be better placed to oversee and support the development of more strategic PCTs and the move towards more NHS Foundation Trusts. In addition, through almost complete co-terminosity with Government Office of the Regions' boundaries, joint working between health and local government agencies will be improved significantly. Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "These improvements to the local NHS will mean more money for frontline services and better care for patients." The new SHA map was unveiled at a seminar at Number 10 Downing Street where the Prime Minister and Patricia Hewitt heard an update on the financial turnaround programme from Sir Ian Carruthers, the acting Chief Executive of the NHS. Notes to editors: The new Strategic Health Authorities will be established from 1 July 2006. 2. On 28th July 2005, the Government asked SHAs to consider, where appropriate, reconfiguring to align with Government Office boundaries in a way that would deliver significant reduction in management and administrative costs (and to make a case where this was not appropriate in their particular area). The proposals for the reconfiguration of SHAs (and PCTs) were then subject to a 14 week local consultation, which ended on 22 March 2006. By 5th April 2006, SHAs had all submitted their reports on the consultations on SHA reconfiguration. The proposals were then subject to detailed assessment by an External Panel. Following their advice, Patricia Hewitt has agreed the future configuration of SHAs. 3. For media enquiries only please contact Lisa Ward Tel: 020 7210 4939 or Georgie Agass Tel: 020 7210 5738 in the DH media centre.
REWARD AND RECOGNITION	Fri 28 April 06
REWARD AND RECOGNITION DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0149 20 April 2006 REWARD AND RECOGNITION Payment and Reimbursement Guidelines for Service Users Involved in Health and Social Care A new guide which explains how to pay and reimburse people involved in service improvement activities has been launched by Liam Byrne, Minister for Care Services. Every year hundreds of people contribute their time and expertise to help improve health and social care services. People who become involved should be reimbursed their expenses, and there may also be circumstances when volunteers deserve payment for their contribution. The Government aims to ensure all service users are treated fairly and appropriately according to their circumstances - this guide will help local health and social care organisations do just that. Minister for Care Services Liam Byrne said of the Reward and Recognition guide, developed jointly by the Department of Health and the Care Services Improvement Partnership: "The people who usually have more to contribute are those who use services the most. "By definition those people are likely to be ill, have disabilities or be carers. It is also likely that a proportion of service users will have low incomes, and therefore be in receipt of incapacity or income related benefits. "For those people remuneration and reimbursement is not straightforward. It could have significant implications for their benefit entitlement, and if they are not sure what to do it could affect their benefits." The guide explains the implication of receiving payment or reimbursement for benefits, employment law and tax. Harry Cayton, National Director for Patients and the Public, said: "I am very pleased that this guide has been published. It goes some way to ensuring a sound operational framework for patient and public involvement - recognising and valuing the significant contribution volunteers and service users make." The guide can be viewed at: www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/fs/en#5745997
GOVERNMENT ASKS WATCHDOGS TO ENSURE DIGNITY IS A PRIORITY IN HEALTH AND CARE SERVICES	Fri 28 April 06
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0148 19 April 2006 GOVERNMENT ASKS WATCHDOGS TO ENSURE DIGNITY IS A PRIORITY IN HEALTH AND CARE SERVICES Health and social care watchdogs have been asked to put older people's dignity at the centre of their investigations, following an announcement made by Care Services Minister Liam Byrne today. The announcement comes as the national director for older people, Professor Ian Philp, publishes the second phase of the Government's 10-year plan to improve services for older people. Minister Liam Byrne said: "Dignity is everybody's business. So we'll be asking watchdogs, nurses, doctors and newly appointed older peoples champions to join together with one goal: to make dignity in care a priority." As part of his plans Professor Philp will work with the Chief Nursing Officer, who is set to issue a report addressing the role mental health nurses can play in improving dignity in care for older people. The CNO's review will make recommendations about the way improved skills can benefit care and provide clear leadership to ensure dignity and respect are embedded in to services. Liam Byrne and Professor Philp also plan to rejuvenate the Older People's Champions Network, which helped root out age discrimination in the NHS and will act as a change agent to ensure older people are treated with respect for their dignity and human rights. Professor Ian Philp said: "In the first phase of our 10 year plan we made great strides in access for older people to services including over 100% rise in breast screening of the over 65s, increased hip replacements and cataract operations and meeting our target for supporting older people to live at home. I will be working with the Minister to ensure these increased services are delivered in a way that secures older people's dignity." A New Ambition for Old Age, the second phase of the government's 10 year National Service Framework (NSF) for Older People will encourage the involvement of older people in service planning and also focus on improving the integration of services and the promotion of healthy ageing, taking forward many of the themes outlined in the recent joint health and social care White Paper. Activities such as exercise classes and dancing can promote health and well-being. While health service areas such as oral health, foot care and continence care promote active ageing. Jonathan Ellis, policy manager for Help the Aged, said: "We welcome the Government's commitment to encourage practices which will put older people's needs at the forefront of delivery of care." The Department has ensured the key aims and objectives of the NSF will be followed up by aligning them with the national priorities set out in the Public Service Agreement Targets. We will also work closely with stakeholders, regulators and commissioners as well as the Care Services Improvement Partnership, which has been created to support developments in health and social care. Notes to Editors For media enquiries only, please contact Matt Laddin in the Department of Health Media Centre on 020 7210 5231. For public enquiries, please contact the DH on 020 7210 4850. Liam Byrne recently completed a series of eight regional visits to ask older people about what dignity in care means to them, in preparation for his future work on dignity. He sees the involvement of inspectors and nursing leadership as integral to driving forward his campaign on dignity. Inspections are carried out by the Healthcare Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection. The older people's champions will be made up of both clinicians and older people from around the country. They will work together to share best practice and ensure service providers focus on dignity. The National Service Framework for Older People was launched in 2001. A progress report entitled 'Better Health in Old Age' was issued in November 2004. Both documents are available at www.dh.gov.uk The NHS spent around £16bn on people over 65 in 2003/4 accounting for 43% of the total NHS budgets. Social services spent around £7bn, 44% of the total social services budget.
DOH:BETTER ADVOCACY RIGHTS FOR PEOPLE WITHOUT CAPACITY	Fri 28 April 06
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0147 19 April 2006 BETTER ADVOCACY RIGHTS FOR PEOPLE WITHOUT CAPACITY Report published on results of IMCA consultation Particularly vulnerable people who lack capacity to make their own decisions will be supported and represented by a new Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA), under detailed proposals announced today by health minister Rosie Winterton. The IMCA service will mean that certain people who lack capacity - this may include people who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer's disease, brain injury or a very severe learning disability - will be helped to make difficult decisions such as medical treatment choices or changes to residence. It is aimed specifically at those people who do not have relatives or friends to speak for them. The Department of Health today published the results of last year's public consultation which covered important operational details in setting up the IMCA service. These include: - the main functions the IMCA will carry out; - how to define "serious medical treatment" - one of the triggers for involving an IMCA; - whether to extend the service to cover other groups of people or different circumstances. The scheme was introduced under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and implementation is planned for April 2007. Rosie Winterton said: "This report demonstrates the Government's commitment to supporting the most vulnerable people who lack capacity in relation to particularly difficult situations. We have listened to the views of respondents about the need to develop a high quality service, and I am pleased that we can now move closer to making this service available to the people who need it most."
DOH:ANNUAL NHS CENSUS SHOWS STEADY INCREASE IN STAFF NUMBERS	Fri 28 April 06
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0153 24 April 2006 ANNUAL NHS CENSUS SHOWS STEADY INCREASE IN STAFF NUMBERS The annual NHS census published today, shows a steady increase in the number of staff working in the NHS helping to bring about more improvements to patient care. Latest figures show that over the last year (September 2004 - September 2005) the NHS workforce increased by 34,301 (32,586 Full Time Equivalent). This includes an extra 5,309 doctors, 6,646 extra nurses and 2,123 extra allied health professionals. Highlights of the census show that between September 2004 and September 2005 there were 1,215 more GPs - the biggest increase ever - and 3,389 more nurses working in the community. These figures mean that since 1997 there are: - 85,305 (65,444 FTE) more nurses; - 10,519 more consultants; and - 16,060 more Allied Health Professionals working in the NHS. Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "I'd like to thank NHS staff for the continued high quality of care that they are delivering to patients, as it is NHS staff that are responsible for the real changes we are seeing in patient care - the falling waiting times, the improvement in survival rates for cancer and coronary heart disease. "Over the last few years we have had record increases in NHS staff. Over the next few years, we expect the size of the total NHS workforce to stabilise. "When we launched the NHS Plan in 2000, the public made clear their top priority was to have more staff working in the NHS. We delivered on that, and exceeded the targets we set. We now have over 300,000 more staff working in the NHS in England than in 1997. "In recent years the rate of growth has eased off. We still have record numbers working in the NHS, but the annual increase has got smaller. In future, as the size of the NHS workforce stabilises, our emphasis will be on staff working differently, in order to deliver more personalised services for patients. "Through pay deals like Agenda for Change the Government has invested over £1 billion to improve pay and working conditions in the NHS and staff have benefitted hugely from this. "But we need to make sure we have the right jobs in right geographical areas, right specialities and the right split between the secondary and primary care sectors so that we can deliver the improvements set out in our white paper - 'Our Health, Our Care, Our Say', to provide more care in community settings in line with patients' wishes. "This means that with in the overall workforce figures there will be a shift in emphasis towards more staff working in community settings rather than hospitals. There will also be a reduction in some jobs in hospitals as NHS trusts become more efficient." NOTES TO EDITORS: 1. Source - NHS workforce census for England. All figures as of at 30th September 2005. 2. Last year the NHS workforce increased by 48,200, Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) of 44,200 3. Table of staff increases since 1997 4. The NHS Workforce Statistics 2005 Report can be found at http://www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/nhsstaff 5. Media enquiries only to Sally Aldous or David Hands on 020 7210 5230/5010 at the Department of Health Media Centre. General enquiries to 020 7210 4850. -------------------------------------------------------------------- NDSREF: 132099 Issued by : DOH Press Office
DOH:MORE SOCIAL INCLUSION FOR PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS	Mon 06 March 06
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0079 2 March 2006 BACK INTO WORK, BACK INTO SOCIETY - MORE SOCIAL INCLUSION FOR PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS New guidance will help re-integration and provide a safe environment for rehabilitation A new drive to help people with mental health problems get back on their feet and back into work was launched today by Health Minister Rosie Winterton. She published four sets of new guidance for commissioners of services designed to better re-integrate people that have suffered with mental health problems into society. The guidance covers: - vocational services - providing commissioners of mental health services with a framework to provide services enabling people with mental health problems to gain employment; - day services - to refocus day services for adults with mental health problems from traditional day centre-based activities to community resources that promote social inclusion; - direct payments - about one third of local authorities in England are not making make direct payments in lieu of mental health services; the guidance aims to ensure that such payments become the norm where appropriate; and - women's only day services - providing a safe space to help women engage in mainstream opportunities and offering women an opportunity to talk about issues that they may find difficult to discuss in a mixed environment. The guidance has been drawn up following the report of the Social Exclusion Unit (SEU) Social Exclusion and Mental Health, published in June 2004. The report sought to reduce the barriers to employment and community participation experienced by people with mental health problems. It identified further development of vocational services, day service modernisation and improved provision of direct payments for as key to reducing such barriers. Rosie Winterton launched the documents during a visit to Churchview Rehabilitation Unit, an inpatient rehabilitation service for people with severe and enduring mental health problems in south Essex. Launching the guidance, she said: "People who suffer from mental health problems remain one of the most excluded groups in society. Tackling inequalities and providing opportunities is a key objective for the government and these guidance documents will be a tool to help commissioners of mental health services provide better quality care so that people who have suffered from such problems are integrated more successfully. "These sets of guidance will help patients through different stages of the patient journey. Direct payments can give people with mental health problems control over their own lives by providing an alternative to social care services provided by a local council. They give the person flexibility to find 'off the peg' solutions, leading to increased opportunities for independence and social inclusion. "The guidance on day services and vocational services complement this by refocusing efforts on providing opportunities for people with mental health problems to access more community services and also gain employment." The new guidance on vocational services for people with mental health problems recognises that being in employment improves mental health outcomes, prevents suicide and reduces reliance on mental health services. It refocuses guidance on helping people back to work being a key part of their recovery and rehabilitation, rather than waiting for them to be fully recovered. The Labour Force Survey (2003) showed that 24 per cent of people with mental health problems were in employment - with only 8 per cent of those with severe mental health problems in work. The vocational services guidance outlines measures to place people in employment settings consistent with their abilities and interests. It has been written in conjunction with the Department for Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus. Employment minister Margaret Hodge said: "Work is an important part of rehabilitation. And people with mental health conditions have a right to share in the benefits a job can bring. In close partnership with the Department of Health, we are increasing the opportunities and support available for people on incapacity benefits to realise their potential." Angela Greatley, chief executive of the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, an independent charity, said: "Too many people with mental health problems are barred from opportunities in life everyone else takes for granted. Having a job, a home and a social life are often made unnecessarily difficult. It is vital that public services work together to offer people with mental health problems greater equality of opportunity. They need to provide good quality advice and support for people who want to take up work, education or training. They need to offer genuine choices over what kind of care people get, where possible through direct payments and individual budgets. And they need to step up the fight against stigma and discrimination in society as a fundamental part of their work. "Most people with mental health problems want to work but find the way barred. If health and social services follow the evidence of what is proven to work they could make a dramatic difference to the lives of many people." Notes to editors 1. The report of the Social Exclusion Unit (SEU) Social Exclusion and Mental Health can be accessed at www.socialexclusion.gov.uk 2. According to the SEU, 70 per cent of people with mental health problems want much better help and support to return to work. The Healthcare Commission Patients Survey (2004) also found that the majority of people with mental health problems were not in work. Of those that needed help finding work, 53 per cent said they had not received any help, but would have liked some. 3. The National Social Inclusion Programme (NSIP) has been co-ordinating the delivery of the action points set out by the Social Exclusion Unit's report. 4. Direct Payments are cash payments made in lieu of social service provisions, to individuals who have been assessed as needing services. They can be made to disabled people aged 16 or over, to people with parental responsibility for disabled children, and to carers aged 16 or over in respect of carer services. The aim of a direct payment is to give more flexibility in how services are provided to many individuals who are assessed eligible for social services support. By giving individuals money in lieu of social care services people have greater choice and control over their lives, and are able to make their own decisions about how their care is delivered. 5. Since April 2003, regulations have been in force that require councils to make direct payments to those people who are able to choose to have them. According to the Commission for Social Care Inspection, at September 2004, one third of local authorities in England were not making direct payments in lieu of mental health services. A further 51 per cent were making between one and five, three authorities were making between 21 and 25, and two over 50 each. 6. All three sets of guidance support and promote well the seven outcomes proposed in the Green Paper Independence, Well-being and Choice, in particular those of improved health, making a positive contribution, economic well-being, personal dignity and exercise of choice and control. The Green Paper proposes a shift of the pattern of services that will ensure greater social inclusion and improved quality of life. This will involve the commissioners of services thinking more imaginatively and in a more person-centred way, offering more choice and self-determination for people in receipt of services. 8. For media enquiries please contact 020 7210 5724. For non-media enquiries contact 020 7210 4850. 9. The guidance can be found at www.dh.gov.uk [ENDS]
DOH:WATCHDOG TO INCREASE CARE HOME SPOT CHECKS	Mon 06 March 06
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0080 2 March 2006 GOVERNMENT GIVES GO AHEAD TO WATCHDOG TO INCREASE CARE HOME SPOT CHECKS The Government has given the go ahead to watchdogs to step up spot checks on poor care homes, following a change to legislation announced by Care Services Minister Liam Byrne today. The move to target poor providers follows the launch on 1 March of a centralised vetting and barring scheme, which will help force abusers out of the health and social care workforce and keep them out. It also builds on Byrne's decision to extend registration to all care home staff. Care Services Minister Liam Byrne said: "Abusers of vulnerable adults should know that there is nowhere for them to hide in our social care workforce. Our older people have worked hard all their lives and deserve the very best care we can give them, in a safe environment. "This change is going to free up inspectors to focus a laser-like light on care homes that are performing badly and force them to improve. This is what the public asked us to do in our consultation." Byrne is also to investigate ways of making it easier for relatives of residents to trigger spot checks anonymously. Care homes with a clear record of delivering excellent services will be freed from red tape to focus their attention on caring for their residents. However, the Commission for Social Care Inspection will increase unannounced spot checks to ensure standards are maintained. CSCI will also stay in regular contact with providers, who will be required by law to carry out an annual assessment proving they are maintaining high standards. Dame Denise Platt, Chair of the Commission for Social Care Inspection, said: "People who use social care services tell us they want our inspections to be unannounced, they want to be more involved in telling us what they think of services, and they want us to be tougher on poor services and bad practice. These new regulations will help us to be more flexible in targeting our efforts on the services most in need of improvement." The change of legislation is just part of a new package of government measures designed to protect vulnerable adults, which includes the compulsory registration and training of care staff and a £600,000 joint research project with Comic Relief into elder abuse. Liam Byrne is leading a nationwide series of listening events across England to talk with older people, people who work with them and their carers. On the latest visit, on Monday 27 February to the Sundial Centre in Tower Hamlets, the Minister asked residents what they require to live their lives actively and with "dignity". The results of these visits will inform the review of national minimum standards for care homes. Notes for editors The requirement for inspections every year is being removed in favour of inspections at least once every three years. 1. The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is the independent national regulator of social care services for England. It registers and inspects some 27,000 care services including care homes, and is responsible for assessing the performance of local councils with social services responsibilities. 2. The changes apply to adult social care providers registered with CSCI: care homes, domiciliary care agencies, nurses agencies, and adult placements. 2. The changes to inspection frequencies are made by The Commission for Social Care Inspection (Fees and Frequency of Inspections) (Amendment) Regulations 2006. These come into effect on 1 April 2006. 3. The Care Standards Act 2000 (Establishments and Agencies) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2006 make changes to Care Homes Regulations 2001, the Nurses Agencies Regulations 2002, the Domiciliary Care Agencies Regulations 2002, and the Adult Placement Schemes (England) Regulations 2004. These come into effect on April 2006.
DOH:ADVICE TO PEOPLE TRAVELLING TO COUNTRIES AFFECTED BY H5N1	Mon 06 March 06
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0081 2 March 2006 HEALTH ADVICE TO PEOPLE TRAVELLING TO COUNTRIES AFFECTED BY H5N1 The Department of Health has today published public health information for people travelling to countries that have been affected by bird flu. Although there is no H5N1 currently in the UK, cases of avian influenza are now occurring in poultry and wild birds in some parts of the world. The leaflet provides guidance on how to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus in a country affected by an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, the symptoms of infection and what to do if a person thinks they may have been infected. Advice includes: - do not visit bird or poultry farms and markets, - avoid close contact with live or dead poultry, - do not eat raw or poorly-cooked poultry or poultry products, including blood, - wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer said: "The information we are distributing today is to make sure that people travelling to countries affected by H5N1 have up-to-date health advice. H5N1 avian influenza is predominantly a disease of birds. The virus does not pass easily from birds to people and has not yet been shown to pass from person to person. Where people have been infected, it was as a result of close contact with infected poultry or birds. The virus has caused severe disease and a high proportion of people have died. H5N1 infections have not been reported in this country, but it is important that travellers from the UK have clear factual information to assist them." The leaflet will be available from GP surgeries, health centres, and English air and sea ports. Notes to Editors: The severe form of H5N1 has now been diagnosed in birds in the following countries: Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey and across South East Asia. Copies of the leaflet are available on the Department of Health website: www.dh.gov.uk/pandemicflu For further information, MEDIA ENQUIRIES ONLY, please contact Brenda Irons-Roberts, Department of Health media centre, on 020 7210 5649.
DOH:PUBLICATION OF REPORT ON CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE	Mon 06 March 06
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0082 2 March 2006 PUBLICATION OF REPORT ON CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND AIR POLLUTION A new report recognising the link between air pollution and heart disease, was published today by the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution. The report considers the possibility that cardiovasular related deaths, or the worsening of cardiovascular diseases, are directly linked to the breathing in of small concentrations of pollutants that are usually found in outdoor air. It is the first time that this link has been investigated in the UK. The main findings of the report are: Outdoor air pollutants are likely to associated with increased deaths and hospital admissions for cardiovascular related disease. This association is not as large as factors such as family history, smoking and hypertension. A precautionary principle should be adopted in future planning and policy development. Professor Jon Ayres, Chairman of COMEAP, said: "The evidence that exposure to air pollutants has important effects on the cardiovascular system is of public health concern and calls for greater research. Results from studies should feed into policy-making decision processes across different sectors of Government." Although the Committe could no identify the exact mechanisms by which air pollution afects the cardiovascular system, they suggest two possible mechanisms: That the inhalation of particles found in the air causes chemical reactions in the body to take place which increase the likelihood of blood to clot and/or atheromatous plaque to rupture, leading to heart attack. That particles subtly affect the control of the heart's rhythm. Notes to Editors The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) was set up by the Chief Medical Officer in 1992. It is chaired by Professor Jon Ayres. The Department of Health has a research programme which funds scientific research including work on the effects of air pollutants on the cardiovascular system. An information pack on air pollution and health is available from the Department of Health Publications Centre, PO Box 410, Wetherby, LS23 7LN. The report can be found on COMEAP website: www.dh.gov.uk For press enquiries contact Sophie Coppel at the Department of Health media centre on 0207 210 5707. [ENDS]
DOH:STATISTICAL PRESS NOTICE: NHS WAITING LIST FIGURES	Mon 06 March 06
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0084 3 March 2006 STATISTICAL PRESS NOTICE: NHS WAITING LIST FIGURES Main Points This Month Waiting times - The number of patients, for whom English commissioners are responsible, waiting over 6 months at the end of January 2006 was 74. Of these 74, 32 were English residents waiting in Welsh hospitals. - At the end of January, of the 74 waiting over 6 months, 22 patients for whom English commissioners are responsible were waiting over 9 months and 5 were waiting over 12 months. Waiting lists - The total number of patients waiting to be admitted to NHS hospitals in England at the end of January 2006 was 791,800; an increase of 7,600 (1.0%) since the end of December 2005, but a fall of 70,100 (8.1%) since January 2005. Waiting Times Table 1: Waiting list by time band - January 2005 to January 2006, England (Commissioner based) Month Waiting time (months) 0 to 2 3 to 5 6 to 8 9 to 11 12 All (000s) (000s) plus patients (000s) 31 January 2005 556.7 223.4 69117 102 40 849.4 31 October 2005 575.2 183.1 24,721 84 8 783.1 30 November 2005 591.4 160.0 12,246 18 4 763.7 31 December 2005 583.0 186.7 35 11 2 769.8 31 January 2006 584.3 196.6 52 17 5 780.9 Table 1A: Patients waiting 6 months or more - January 2006, England (Commissioner based) 6 Plus 9 Plus 12 Plus Total 74 22 5 Of whom patients waiting at English Trusts 42 11 4 Table 2: Proportion of Waiting lists by time band - January 2005 to January 2006, England (Commissioner based) Proportion of Total Waiting List Waiting: Month 0 to 2 months 3 to 5 6 to 8 9 to 11 12 plus Total months months months months 31 January 2005 65.5% 26.3% 8.1% 0.0% 0.0% 100% 31 October 2005 73.5% 23.4% 3.2% 0.0% 0.0% 100% 30 November 2005 77.4% 21.0% 1.6% 0.0% 0.0% 100% 31 December 2005 75.7% 24.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100% 31 January 2006 74.8% 25.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100% *Note: Due to rounding figures for individual time bands may not always equal 100% Table 3: Waiting lists by time band - January 2005 to January 2006, England (hospital based) Waiting Time (months) Month 0 to 2 3 to 5 6 to 8 9 to 11 12 All (000s) (000s) plus patients (000s) 31 January 2005 565.6 226.0 69645 361 355 862.0 31 October 2005 581.8 184.8 25,221 407 17 792.3 30 November 2005 600.2 161.4 12,393 308 14 774.3 31 December 2005 593.3 190.0 576 368 15 784.3 31 January 2006 591.3 199.6 562 382 13 791.8 Table 4: Proportion of Waiting lists by time band - January 2005 to January 2006, England (hospital based) Proportion of Total Waiting List Waiting: Proportion of Total Waiting List Waiting: Month 0 to 2 3 to 5 6 to 8 9 to 11 12 plus Total months months months months months 31 January 2005 65.6% 26.2% 8.1% 0.0% 0.0% 100% 31 October 2005 73.4% 23.3% 3.2% 0.1% 0.0% 100% 30 November 2005 77.5% 20.8% 1.6% 0.0% 0.0% 100% 31 December 2005 75.6% 24.2% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 100% 31 January 2006 74.7% 25.2% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 100% *Note: Due to rounding figures for individual time bands may not always equal 100% Waiting List Table 5: Monthly waiting lists - January 2005 to January 2006; England (hospital based) Month ending Number waiting (000s) Change since previous month Number (000s) Per cent 31 January 2005 862.0 3.9 0.5% 31 October 2005 792.3 -12.4 -1.5% 30 November 2005 774.3 -18.0 -2.3% 31 December 2005 784.3 10.0 1.3% 31 January 2006 791.8 7.6 1.0% Table 6: Waiting lists - January 2005 to January 2006; England (000s) Month Hospital based Commissioner based 31 January 2005 862.0 849.4 31 October 2005 792.3 783.1 30 November 2005 774.3 763.7 31 December 2005 784.3 769.8 31 January 2006 791.8 780.9 Statistical Notes 1. Inpatient waiting lists Waiting list information is collected from English Primary Care Trusts on a responsible population basis (see note on next page) and from NHS Trusts on a hospital basis. In interpreting the figures it should be noted that about half of patients (not including live babies) treated in hospitals are emergency cases and do not come from the waiting lists. This publication contains waiting list information on patients who are waiting to be admitted for treatment either as a day case or ordinary admission. It does not include: - patients admitted as emergency cases - outpatients - patients undergoing a planned programme of treatment e.g. a series of admissions for chemotherapy - expectant mothers booked for confinement - patients already in hospital but included on other waiting lists - patients who are temporarily suspended from waiting lists for social reasons or because they are known to be not medically ready for treatment Waiting times begin from the date the clinician decided to admit the patient. Patients subsequently offered a date but unable to attend have their waiting times calculated from the most recent date offered. These are known as self-deferred cases and are included in the total waiting. The tables include an element of estimation and incorporate all returns and amendments received from Primary Care Trusts and NHS Trusts up to 2nd March 2006. 2. Hospital and Commissioner based lists There are fundamental differences in coverage between commissioner based and hospital based information. Commissioner based returns exclude all patients living outside England and all privately funded patients waiting for treatment in NHS hospitals. However they do include NHS funded patients, living in England, who are waiting for treatment in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, abroad, and at private hospitals; these patients are not included in the corresponding hospital based returns. Historically there has been a 1% to 3% difference in the overall size of the waiting lists reported for NHS hospital trusts and English residents, the trust-based figure being the larger. The differences are summarised in the diagram below: - NHS hospital trusts = NHS commissioners Patients waiting to be treated by NHS hospital trusts in England, commissioned by English PCTs and GPs - Patients from private hospitals and commissions from Scotland, Wales and NI waiting to be treated in English NHS hospital trusts = Patients waiting to be treated in private hospitals, and in NHS hospital trusts in Scotland, Wales and NI, funded by English NHS commissioners Commissioner based returns reflect responsible based populations, which is defined as: Responsible Population: - all those patients resident within the PCT boundary; plus - all patients registered with GPs who are members of the PCT, but are resident in another PCT; minus - All patients resident in the PCT, but registered with a GP who is a member of another PCT 3. Publication Dates In the past monthly waiting list/times outputs have been published on the Friday of the 5th full week following the end of the reporting month or the Friday of the 6th full week following quarter end. This formula has been reviewed following improvements in the timeliness of collecting NHS Hospital waiting data. The new formula will be "first Friday on or after the 20th working day after reporting month end". This formula delivers improvements to the publication timetable that benefits all users of this information while maintaining Friday as the normal publication day. These dates are shown below. Month ending Publication date 30 April 2005 Friday 3 June 2005 31 May 2005 Friday 1 July 2005 30 June 2005 Friday 29 July 2005 31 July 2005 Friday 26 August 2005 31 August 2005 Friday 30 September 2005 30 September 2005 Friday 28 October 2005 31 October 2005 Friday 2 January 2005 30 November 2005 Friday 30 January 2005 31 January 2005 Friday 3 February 2006 31 January 2006 Friday 3 March 2006 28 February 2006 Friday 31 March 2006 These dates can also be found on both the DH 12 month plan for statistical releases and on the Office for National Statistics Updates calendar. 4. Revisions Revisions to previous months data are made in line with the Department of Health's revisions protocol for performance monitoring data. A copy of the protocol is attached at Annex A. 5. Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre NHS Trust These figures include estimates for the above trust due to problems experienced in converting data from their old Patient Administration System (PAS) to a new system and associated infrastructural issues. Any requirement to revise published figures as a result of these problems will be made in line with the above revisions policy. 6. Additional Information Full details of waiting lists and times for individual organisations are available from the address below, or the DH website at the following address. http://www.performance.doh.gov.uk/waitingtimes/index.htm Press enquiries contact: Press Office Department of Health Telephone: 020 7210 5221 Waiting Times Analysis Department of Health Room 4E57 Quarry House Quarry Hill Leeds LS2 7UE Telephone: 0113 254 6387 Email: [email protected] Annex A - Revisions Protocol for Performance Monitoring Data This revision protocol relates to the NHS performance monitoring data collected and disseminated by the Performance and Planning Review Team (PPRT) in the Department of Health. The range of information covered is currently collected in the returns and disseminated in the statistical publications listed at Annex A. Dissemination: The publication of revised data will be via a statistical press notice every 6 months, released in line with the Department's release policy. Timing: We will publish significant revisions to the data on a six monthly basis to dates that will be included in the DH Statistics 12-month publication plan. http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Statistics/CodeOfPractice/12MonthPlan/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4016423&chk=eLDBG/ Any significant revisions received after the revision period has closed ie 48 hours before publication, will generally not be disseminated until the next scheduled revision. Historic data: Revisions will relate usually to the 6 months prior to the revisions publication date. In exceptional circumstances revisions will go further back, if not doing so would materially distort the historical time series. Revisions to individual trusts and PCTs will be reflected in the England and SHAs' totals Explanations for revisions: We would expect SHAs to validate the explanations for revisions to data as this is consistent with their validation of the revisions themselves. This would only apply to NHS organisations that have a management relationship with the SHA. For revisions due to departmental error the explanation would be cleared through the appropriate departmental channels. An explanation of the reasons for the changes will be published in an Annex alongside the revised data. Effects of revisions will accompany the release: The impact of revisions on Departmental targets will be released along side the revisions. Decisions about revisions Final decisions about publishing revised data will be taken by senior professional DH analysts, consulting the DH Statistics Head of Profession on both the nature and presentation of revisions. The normal pre-release procedure will apply to revisions. Processes will evolve over time as experience refines the requirements for implementing this new policy. This policy is compatible with the Departmental compliance statement with the National Statistics Code of Practice and Protocols, and with the National Statistics protocol on Data Revisions.
DOH:STATISTICAL PRESS NOTICE: HOSPITAL WAITING AND ACTIVITY	Mon 06 March 06
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0083 3 March 2006 STATISTICAL PRESS NOTICE: HOSPITAL WAITING AND ACTIVITY The following statistics were released today by the Department of Health NHS Inpatient and Outpatient Waiting: Events occuring during the quarter: Quarter ending 31 December 2005 Waiting Times for suspected cancer patients: Quarter ending 31 December 2005 Cancelled operations, England: Quarter ending 31 December 2005 Critical Care Beds, England: Census day January 2006 Links http://www.performance.doh.gov.uk/waitingtimes/index.htm http://www.performance.doh.gov.uk/cancerwaits/index.htm http://www.performance.doh.gov.uk/hospitalactivity/data_requests/cancelled_operations.htm http://www.performance.doh.gov.uk/hospitalactivity/data_requests/critical_care_beds.htm
DOH:INVESTMENT AND REFORM CONTINUE TO DELIVER BETTER PATIENT CARE	Mon 06 March 06
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0085 3 March 2006 INVESTMENT AND REFORM CONTINUE TO DELIVER BETTER PATIENT CARE New statistics show further progress against key targets Record investment in the NHS and ambitious reform of services are continuing to deliver faster access to treatment, reductions in cancelled operations, and increases in the number of critical care beds, Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said today. Ms Hewitt was welcoming new statistics which give further evidence that NHS reforms are working and delivering real benefits to NHS patients. The data shows: - the NHS continued to meet its key waiting target of delivering a six month maximum wait - even during the busy January period, with the average waiting time for treatment maintained at eight weeks - there were around 2500 fewer operations cancelled in the last quarter of 2005 as compared to the same period of the previous year - down to just 1% of all elective activity - achieved against a backdrop of an increasing number of operations; and - the NHS has also increased the number of adult critical care beds, meaning extra capacity for treating those patients most at need. Patricia Hewitt said: "NHS reforms are delivering to everyone the type of care that has only previously been available to those in society who could afford to pay for it. The extra capacity that we have delivered, coupled with our reforms, means that patients are getting faster access to care, a choice of hospital for their operation, and now have more certainty about when they will be treated. "While we continue to see a constant flow of negative speculation and surveys about the current state of the NHS, the facts provided to us by the service often tell a different story. "We know that a minority of NHS organisations are facing financial challenges, but we must not lose sight of the bigger picture, which is of an NHS that is carrying out more operations, has more doctors and nurses than ever before, and has eradicated the long waiting times for treatment that often added to the pain and suffering of thousands of patients. "There is of course more work to do, but we should not ignore the significant achievements that NHS reforms have already delivered." Today's statistics also show that the focussed effort of the NHS to meet ambitious waiting time targets for cancer patients is achieving results. The NHS Cancer Plan, published in 2000, set out that by December 2005: - all patients diagnosed with cancer should begin treatment within a maximum of 31 days of the decision to treat; and - all patients with cancer who have been urgently referred by their GP should begin treatment within a maximum of 62 days of that GP referral The NHS has been working hard to redesign services and introduce new, creative and more efficient ways of working, so that cancer patients treated from 1 January 2006 onwards can expect to be treated within the target times. In the latest report on progress, the NHS has already achieved a waiting time of 31 days from diagnosis to treatment for 96.8 per cent of cancer patients. The more challenging target of 62 days from urgent GP referral to treatment, to streamline the whole patient journey, has been achieved for 83.9 per cent of patients. Ms Hewitt said: "This is good progress in delivering faster care to patients who most need it. But efforts must now be sustained until the 62 day target has been achieved for 95 per cent of patients. This is the threshold we expect the NHS to achieve and one that will save even more lives." Notes to editors: 1. All of the new data is available at http://www.dh.gov.uk 2. In-patient waits: the waiting list stands at 792,000, representing a decrease of 366,000 since March 1997, and 57,000 since January 2005. This is also down 521,000 since the peak waiting list in April 1998. 3. Cancelled operations: In Q3 2005/6 14,818 operations were cancelled, representing 1.0% of all elective activity. In the same period in 2004/05 there were 17,402 cancellations representing 1.2% of elective activity. For the previous three years the Q3 figure has been around 1.3%. 4. Critical care beds: The overall number of open and staffed beds for adult critical care was 3233. This represents 40 (1.3%) more beds than at 14 July 2005. 5. Figures for waiting times for cancer treatment published today cover the period between October and December 2005. The achievement of the targets will be measured by Quarter 4 2005/06 data (January to March 2006) which is due for publication in May 2006. 6. For media enquiries only please contact 020 7210 5896/5010, all other enquiries to 020 7210 4850.
MRSA: "TRUSTS MUST DO BETTER" SAYS MINISTER	Tue 07 February 06
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0051 6 February 2006 MRSA: "TRUSTS MUST DO BETTER" SAYS MINISTER Support teams to be sent into 20 trusts The latest national and trust-level figures on MRSA bloodstream infections are published today by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), showing 3580 MRSA bloodstream infections occurring in NHS Acute settings during April - September 2005. MRSA bacteraemia reports from NHS acute Trusts in England, April 2001-September 2005 Date Number of reports April-Sept 2001 3616 Oct 2001-March 2002 3665 April-Sept 2002 3584 Oct 2002-March 2003 3806 April-Sept 2003 3749 Oct 2003-March 2004 3956 April-Sept 2004 3525 Oct 2004-March 2005 3689 April-Sept 2005 3580 Around half of trusts are currently on target and half of trusts are behind target to make a 50% reduction in MRSA infections by 2008. Of those who are behind on the target around twenty trusts face a significant challenge and these are the organisations the Department will be working with most closely in the coming months. Health Minister, Jane Kennedy, said: "I am disappointed that, despite many trusts making significant reductions in infections, the overall figures do not reflect these improvements. These are early figures from the period at the very start of the comprehensive program of action we have put in place. "To reinforce the efforts at Trusts that are furthest from their target I am setting up teams of specialists to work with them through 2006. These teams will begin first wave work now at Sandwell, Northumbria and Aintree NHS Trusts who have volunteered for help, and then move on to around seventeen more Trusts through 2006." "While 7,269 infections is a tiny fraction of the 12 million patients admitted to hospital every year, and more cases are reported now due to better surveillance, any avoidable infection is one too many." The DH will now offer targeted support for trusts facing the biggest challenges. Targeted support has two main elements: The first element is the MRSA/HCAI Improvement Programme, the objectives of which are to provide support teams to hospitals that have a significant MRSA problem, to help them: - Diagnose the issues currently preventing reduction in MRSA bacteraemia numbers - Develop practical action plans with realistic implementation timescales - Implement agreed plans and put in place management and support arrangements that facilitate sustained improvement - Act as a catalyst for other Trusts and demonstrate that by adopting best practice rates can be reduced to lower levels, and at faster rate than previously thought. These teams will begin work now at Sandwell, Northumbria and Aintree NHS Trusts and then move on to around 20 Trusts in total through 2006. The second element is the Performance Improvement Network (PIN), consisting of a national network of Trusts with a mixed track record of delivery against their Local Delivery Plans. These Trusts meet quarterly as an action learning set to share best practice and learn from each other. There are currently 21 Trusts that belong to the network. The Department of Health and the Health Protection Agency also previewed their new enhanced data reporting system today. This is a new online reporting system allowing trusts and the Department and HPA to monitor: - Location where infection occurred - Location of patient - Stage of infection - Specialty We will now publish this enhanced reporting data every six months, starting with the next six-month statistics. We now have one of the best reporting and data systems for monitoring MRSA in the world, allowing us to get to the root of where infections occur most frequently. For example, the enhanced MRSA data collection has enabled us to quantify the risk of infection in Renal settings - as many as 1 in 10 of all MRSA bacteraemias may be arising during renal treatment. To prevent avoidable infections occuring in Renal settings we are: - Establishing Renal/HCAI Group led by Renal Tsar Donal O'Donahue - Improving vascular access so more 'permanent' lines can be fitted more quickly, reducing risk of infection - Developing a programme of activities to ensure good clinical practice on touch techniques when inserting both temporary and permanent lines Chair of the Renal Advisory Group at DH, Donal O'Donahue, said "We have known about the risk of incurring MRSA during renal treatment, particularly when using temporary lines, for some time. That is why we included a standard in the Renal National Service Framework covering access to vascular surgery for creation of fistulae, which reduces the risk. "The enhanced MRSA data collection has enabled us to quantify the risk suggesting that as many as 1 in 10 of all MRSA bacteraemias may be arising due to inadequate vascular access provision. This means this is now a high priority and that is why I have convened a national conference on 16th February to drive home the important messages about raising clinical standards." Notes for Editors 1. The national and trust-level data can be viewed at: www.dh.gov.uk/hcai 2. For further information on Saving Lives and other action the Department is taking to help reduce infection please visit: www.dh.gov.uk/reducingmrsa 2. For further media enquiries please contact Ben Lewis on 020 7210 4990 or Michelle Hinds on 020 7210 5375 at DH Media Centre.
MORE PATIENTS TO GET ACCESS TO CUTTING-EDGE MEDICAL THERAPIES UNDER NEW HEALTH RESEARCH STRATEGY	Wed 25 January 06
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0022 25 January 2006 MORE PATIENTS TO GET ACCESS TO CUTTING-EDGE MEDICAL THERAPIES UNDER NEW HEALTH RESEARCH STRATEGY Health Minister, Jane Kennedy today announced a new health research strategy aimed at giving patients better access to ground-breaking new medicines and treatments, and supporting researchers carrying out health and social care research throughout England. Jane Kennedy, Minister for Quality and Patient Safety says: "The requirement to conduct research for the improvement of health and medical treatments was one of the founding principles of the National Health Service. The NHS has a key role to play in determining the future health and wealth of this country, and the Government is determined to harness its capacity to make the UK the best place in the world for health research. The changes we are putting in place are essential to create a health research system in which the NHS supports outstanding individuals, working in world-class facilities, conducting leading-edge research focused on the needs of patients and the public." The strategy, Best Research for Best Health, is designed to make it easier and quicker to get research started and improve its quality and relevance to patients. Best Research for Best Health, will ensure the NHS supports the Government's commitment to make the UK a world-class environment for health research, development and innovation. It sets out how the Department of Health will spend over £650m a year on research and development with NHS funding directed at relevant high-quality, patient-based research. As part of the new strategy: - Every patient in England will have access to clinical trials and have the opportunity to participate in studies involving cutting-edge medical therapies. The health research infrastructure of the NHS is being improved by setting up the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), National School for Primary Care Research and NHS research networks across England to co-ordinate the research structure of the NHS with people and programmes. - Bureaucracy busting measures will be introduced to tackle the increasing red-tape that is stifling research. Research passports will be introduced to avoid repetition of credential checks by different health authorities. A national expert advice line will provide 24/7 advice to researchers on interpreting the law. And we will work closely with the National Programme for IT/Connecting for Health to make sure that data collected from the NHS meets the needs of researchers and enables patients to access opportunities to participate in clinical trials. - Research programmes will be expanded. The NHS research networks will be funded on a population basis. In addition, we are establishing world-leading Research Centres to drive progress on innovation and translational research in the areas of biomedicine and NHS service quality and safety. A series of other new funding programmes will also be established to fund high quality research of relevance to the NHS. - Researchers of all disciplines and levels will be supported through the NIHR Faculty. Due to go live in 2007, the Faculty will provide mentoring and training to ensure researcher career development. The NIHR will also act as a single point of access for industry. This strategy means a radical shake-up of the way research is funded. The new system is fair and transparent, and will ensure that money for research accurately reflects the research activity levels of NHS Trusts. Changes to funding will be managed carefully over a three year transition period. Professor Sally Davies, Director of Research and Development at the Department of Health says: "Best Research for Best Health has been developed with input and support from all our stakeholders in the NHS, university and industry. Having listened to views from a wide range of individuals and organisations, we have made amendments to our original proposals and strengthened the final strategy." Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust says: "Harnessing the strength of the NHS for research that will enhance the health of the population is extremely important. Implementation of this strategy will keep the UK at the forefront of clinical research and training throughout the world." Sir Robert Boyd, Research and Development Director at Great Paris NHS, says: "The new strategy will enable the NHS and its academic and other partners to make a much bigger contribution both to the health and wellbeing of present and future citizens, and to the economic success of the country in an ever more challenging global market place. It is enormously welcome and has the potential, when fully implemented, to bring immense benefit to us all." Derek Stewart, cancer advocate and former patient says: "The developments in Health and Social Care Research that the Department of Health have been putting in place over the last few years have transformed the research environment for the benefit of patients. Involving patients in cancer research, for example, has helped to improve the quality of cancer care, made research much more meaningful, and has resulted in real benefits for patients and their families. The proposals in the new strategy for putting patients and their needs at the heart of research will strengthen and expand the direction of travel within the NHS and in health research in England." Dr Richard Tiner, Medical Director of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) says: "The ABPI welcomes the initiative and the opportunity it provides to continue working with the NHS in developing new, innovative medicines for the benefit of patients. In particular, we look forward to getting research on medicines started more quickly, thus enabling the UK to remain a major centre for clinical research activities." Notes to editors 1. This strategy will move away from the current Support for Science mode of funding, where research funding is allocated based on historic base-line figures rather than on current levels of research activity. 2. R&D in the health sector currently contributes in excess of £3 billion to the UK economy. 3. The Strategy is underpinned by the Department of Health's determination to ensure that the NHS contribution to health research is a centrepiece of the Government's ambition to raise the level of research and development to 2.5% of GDP by 2014. 4. Derek Stewart was the founder Chair of the Consumer Liaison Group for the National Cancer Research Institute and a Programme Board member of the NHS R&D Service Delivery Organisation. His involvement in patient advocacy led to his appointment as Chair of Gedling Primary care Trust in Nottinghamshire. 5. A copy of the strategy, implementation plans and time lines will be available on the website www.dh.gov.uk/researchstrategy by 1pm on 25 January. In the meantime, please contact Matthew Barker at the Department of Health press office on 020 7210 5282 for a copy. 6. For media queries, please contact Claire Rhodes at the Department of Health press office on 020 7210 5238.
HEWITT ANNOUNCES ACTION TO TURNAROUND NHS FINANCES	Wed 25 January 06
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0023 25 January 2006 HEWITT ANNOUNCES ACTION TO TURNAROUND NHS FINANCES Teams of financial specialists are to be sent into 18 NHS organisations facing the greatest financial risks, a new report published today by Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt reveals. It follows the announcement last month by the Department of Health that 'turnaround teams' would to be sent into the small number of NHS organisations forecasting financial challenges to help them provide more cost-effective services for patients. Today's report highlights that: - Although the NHS as a whole has been in broad financial balance, at local level a minority of organisations have been overspending whilst the majority deliver balance or better; - 62 NHS organisations forecasting a significant overspend received an external assessment of their financial position; - As a result of this assessment, 18 organisations will get immediate turnaround support to help them tackle financial problems; and, - A further 23 organisations will also receive additional expertise to support financial turnaround. Patricia Hewitt said: "The vast majority of NHS organisations are successfully managing finances alongside delivering high quality patient care. "However, a minority of NHS organisations are failing to manage within the resources available, despite receiving significant increases in funding. "Despite all the talk of a so-called financial crisis, the projected overspend, at the half-year stage, still accounts for less than one per cent of the total NHS budget. "The organisations that will receive intensive turnaround support account for just three per cent of all NHS organisations but 26 per cent of the total gross projected overspend. "Improving financial management does not mean compromising services for patients. Any action that the NHS takes to reduce deficits should not lower the quality of care provided to patients. "NHS patients continue to see many improvements in services as a result of these record resources including shorter waiting times, better access to drugs and operations for people suffering from cancer and coronary heart disease, and more treatments in the community. "Nevertheless, we are determined to achieve the best possible care for patients, along with the best possible value for people's money. We have written a very big cheque for the NHS, but it is not a blank cheque. Money that is wasted or spent inefficiently means less for patients who need treatment." There will be a second report on turnaround support later in the year. Notes to editors: 1. The 18 organisations that will receive immediate turnaround support (plus their projected deficit at month 6) are: Organisation Name 2005-06 Month 2005-06 Month 2005-06 Month 6 Forecast 6 Forecast 6 Forecast Turnover Deficit Deficit as % of Turnover Barnet and Chase Farm 250 (8) -3% Hospitals NHS Trust Brighton and Sussex 301 (14) -5% University Hospitals NHS Trust Cheshire West PCT 214 (15) -7% George Eliot Hospital 85 (5) -6% NHS Trust Hammersmith Hospitals 401 (37) -9% NHS Trust Hillingdon PCT 282 (26) -9% Kennet and North 202 (6) -3% Wiltshire PCT Mid Yorkshire Hospitals 291 (15) -5% NHS Trust North Sheffield PCT 175 (4) -2% Selby and York PCT 305 (10) -3% Sheffield South West PCT 147 (4) -3% Sheffield West PCT 146 (4) -3% Shrewsbury and Telford 182 (10) -5% Hospital NHS Trust South East Sheffield PCT 226 (4) -2% Surrey and Sussex 124 (41) -33% Healthcare NHS Trust The Royal West Sussex 92 (17) -18% NHS Trust University Hospital of 293 (18) -6% North Staffordshire NHS Trust West Wiltshire PCT 121 (8) -7% 2. The NHS budget has doubled since 1997 and will have almost trebled by 2008. Spending in the NHS increased this year by almost £7 billion from £69.7 billion to £76.4 billion. By 2007/08, the NHS budget will be £92.6 billion. 3. In 2004/05 the NHS overspent for the first time since 1999/2000 to the tune of £250m - equating to around 0.4 per cent of the total NHS budget. 4. Last December, the Department published mid-year financial forecasts which showed a projected net overspend for the year 2005/6 of £623million. These included 64 hospital trusts, Primary Care Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities which each had a projected overspend of £5m or more. (64 organisations were covered but Ipswich PCT and Suffolk Coastal are under joint management, as are East Hampshire PCT and Fareham and Gosport PCT.) 5. After a competitive tender, the Department selected KPMG to undertake a preliminary assessment of the 62 organisations, using expertise from both the NHS and the corporate sector. 6. KPMG categorised the 62 as follows: - Immediate priority. Need for urgent intervention to drive turnaround - Additional expertise/resource needed to support the turnaround - Drive/focus. Maintain high priority of actions. Regular challenge of management. - Encourage to share what works and deliver easy wins. This categorisation does not necessarily reflect upon the quality of the management. Some organisations include those where the scale of the problems would tackle the very best management. 7. For media enquiries contact 020 7210 5010/5896. For regional media enquiries contact 020 7210 5331. For non-media enquiries contact 020 7210 4850.
1st MONTH OF CHLAMYDIA SCREENING ON THE HIGH STREET A SUCCESS	Tue 03 January 06
Subject: DOH:1st MONTH OF CHLAMYDIA SCREENING ON THE HIGH STREET A SUCCESS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0002 3 January 2006 FIRST MONTH OF CHLAMYDIA SCREENING ON THE HIGH STREET A SUCCESS Over 6,000 test kits have been handed out in Boots stores across the capital in the first month of a pilot aimed to make chlamydia testing more accessible for 16-24 year old men and women. The two year Department of Health funded pilot, launched in November 2005, offers a free and confidential testing service in over 200 high street Boots pharmacies across London. Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said: "It's great that our pilot has got off to such a good start. It has only been up and running for a month and already Boots has given out 6,387 testing kits. "Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK and it's therefore important we make screening and treatment services accessible - especially for young men and women under 25 who lead such busy lives. "By making this free service available in pharmacies on the high street, it will make it easier for people to call in for a screening test - helping to speed up both the detection and treatment of chlamydia in people who might not have otherwise come forward for testing." The data so far shows that the most testing kits were requested by those aged 23 and 24. Boots expect to provide approximately 50,000 screens a year - with test kits available over the counter, testing and analysis carried out by Quest Diagnostics Limited and treatment taking place in private areas. The pilot will be monitored and evaluated over a two year period to test the community pharmacy setting as an alternative access point for chlamydia screening. If successful, the scheme could be rolled out nationally. The screening and treatment service will also be available to all partners of those who test positive - regardless of their age. Boots Assistant Pharmacy Superintendent, Steve Churton, said: "We're delighted with the initial response to the NHS Chlamydia Screening programme at Boots stores in London. We hope the popularity of the service will demonstrate the effectiveness of using the community pharmacies for wider health services." More than 78,000 people have been screened for chlamydia as part of the Government's National Chlamydia Screening Programme. The programme currently covers 25% of Primary Care Trusts in England and has recently been extended to all other areas of England - meaning Government is well ahead of the target to have all chlamydia screening offices up and running and offering full coverage across the country by 2007. Screening is offered in a variety of healthcare and non-healthcare settings including further education colleges, armed forces bases and prisons. Notes to editors 1. The advantage of using Independent Sector providers, such as Boots, is that they are already in position on the high street to provide NHS quality chlamydia testing. This means costs to the taxpayer are kept down and we won't need to draw on staff from other areas of the NHS. 2. Chlamydia is one of the most common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), affecting as many as one in ten sexually active young men and women, but can be easily cured with antibiotics. However, if untreated in women it can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. 3. An extra £300m to modernise sexual health services was announced as part of the Public Health White Paper, published in November 2004. This includes £80m to make sure the chlamydia screening programme is available throughout the country by 2007 and a £50m sexual health advertising campaign to warn young people about the top 5 STIs - including chlamydia. 4. A further £15m has recently been added to improve GUM facilities. 5. There are 26 regional programmes are in place to date - each locally managed by a Chlamydia Screening Office - covering over 25% of Primary Care Trusts in England. 6. There will be approximately 80 chlamydia screening offices in England and national screening will begin in April 2006. 7. Further information on the National Chlamydia Screening Programme can be found at: www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/Chlamydia For further information on the pilot please contact the Department of Health Press Office on 020 7210 5282. For further information on the detail of the two year scheme, please contact the Boots press office on 0115 949 4884 or [email protected]
DOH:PATIENT CHOICE BECOMES A REALITY ACROSS THE NHS	Tue 03 January 06
Subject: DOH:PATIENT CHOICE BECOMES A REALITY ACROSS THE NHS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2006/0003 1 January 2006 PATIENT CHOICE BECOMES A REALITY ACROSS THE NHS >From the New Year, for the first time in the history of the NHS, all eligible patients across England will have the right to exercise choice over where and when they get hospital treatment. In one of the most fundamental reforms of NHS services, patients have the right to be offered the choice of at least four hospitals or clinics when they need to see a specialist for further treatment. This new way of using the NHS means that patients are given the power to choose faster and better treatment - driving up standards across the NHS. Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "Choice is now a reality in the NHS. Patients have new rights over their own healthcare. These rights will allow patients to choose services which best meet their individual needs and preferences. "Throughout the history of the NHS, good quality healthcare has been available on the NHS but not necessarily immediately, nor in some local areas. We have started to change this. "As well as setting challenging targets for the NHS, we have also been introducing more choice into the service to help speed up access to certain operations. "We are now building on this to ensure that all patients experience a service that is convenient to them while delivering the highest quality care possible. We want efficient health services delivering personalised care to everyone - patient choice is central to making this happen across the NHS." Today's changes mark a new way of accessing secondary care. When a patient is referred to a specialist for further treatment, they will be provided with the information they need to make a choice about which hospital or clinic appointment is best for them. They can then book the appointment there and then but patients also have the option to take away information about their local hospitals and make their choice later. Patricia Hewitt said: "There are a range of ways in which patients will access information and book their appointment - including through the new Choose and Book computer system, over the phone, or using the internet. Either way, when a patient leaves the GP surgery they will have either made their choice or know exactly what the next step will be to do so." "NHS staff have been working hard to make sure this new system is up and running. But we need to remember that choice will only work to the full if patients exercise their new rights to choose. It will take some time for everybody to get used to this new system, but I am confident that the benefits will be worth it. We will continue to listen to patients and clinicians and to learn from them as this exciting reform starts to have real impact right across the NHS." New booklets have been introduced to help patients make their choice. The booklets contain comparative information about local hospitals. Using these, patients will base their choice on a range of indicators including waiting times, MRSA rates, access and cancelled operations. >From today, choice menus will be made up of at least four hospitals or clinics. During 2006 we will be extending choice further, and by 2008 patients will be able to choose from any hospital or provider which meets NHS standards at NHS costs. Also published today are the findings of a survey into attitudes towards choice. The survey was carried out by MORI on behalf of the Department of Health. Findings include: - Sixty-eight per cent of people aged 40 and over would choose a non-local NHS hospital within their SHA if it could deliver treatment in half the time of their nearest NHS provider; - Most are happy to go to either an NHS or a private provider so long as assurances are met over minimum standards of care and the provider is within reasonably easy reach of home; - Waiting times and cleanliness are important factors in deciding where to go for treatment. A set of findings will be available on the DH website www.dh.gov.uk from January 2. Notes to editors: 1. For media enquiries only please contact 020 7210 5301/5896 /5010, all other enquiries to 020 7210 4850.
PATIENT CHOICE BECOMES A REALITY ACROSS THE NHS	Wed 28 December 05
Subject: DOH:PATIENT CHOICE BECOMES A REALITY ACROSS THE NHS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH R344 - 124 22 December 2005 PATIENT CHOICE BECOMES A REALITY ACROSS THE NHS PLEASE NOTE EMBARGO Not for publication or broadcast before 0001 hours Monday 2 Jan 2006 >From the New Year, for the first time in the history of the NHS, all eligible patients across England will have the right to exercise choice over where and when they get hospital treatment. In one of the most fundamental reforms of NHS services, patients have the right to be offered the choice of at least four hospitals or clinics when they need to see a specialist for further treatment. This new way of using the NHS means that patients are given the power to choose faster and better treatment - driving up standards across the NHS. Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "Choice is now a reality in the NHS. Patients have new rights over their own healthcare. These rights will allow patients to choose services which best meet their individual needs and preferences. "Throughout the history of the NHS, good quality healthcare has been available on the NHS but not necessarily immediately, nor in some local areas. We have started to change this. "As well as setting challenging targets for the NHS, we have also been introducing more choice into the service to help speed up access to certain operations. "We are now building on this to ensure that all patients experience a service that is convenient to them while delivering the highest quality care possible. We want efficient health services delivering personalised care to everyone - patient choice is central to making this happen across the NHS." Today's changes mark a new way of accessing secondary care. When a patient is referred to a specialist for further treatment, they will be provided with the information they need to make a choice about which hospital or clinic appointment is best for them. They can then book the appointment there and then but patients also have the option to take away information about their local hospitals and make their choice later. Patricia Hewitt said: "There are a range of ways in which patients will access information and book their appointment - including through the new Choose and Book computer system, over the phone, or using the internet. Either way, when a patient leaves the GP surgery they will have either made their choice or know exactly what the next step will be to do so." "NHS staff have been working hard to make sure this new system is up and running. But we need to remember that choice will only work to the full if patients exercise their new rights to choose. It will take some time for everybody to get used to this new system, but I am confident that the benefits will be worth it. We will continue to listen to patients and clinicians and to learn from them as this exciting reform starts to have real impact right across the NHS." New booklets have been introduced to help patients make their choice. The booklets contain comparative information about local hospitals. Using these, patients will base their choice on a range of indicators including waiting times, MRSA rates, access and cancelled operations. >From today, choice menus will be made up of at least four hospitals or clinics. During 2006 we will be extending choice further, and by 2008 patients will be able to choose from any hospital or provider which meets NHS standards at NHS costs. Also published today are the findings of a survey into attitudes towards choice. The survey was carried out by MORI on behalf of the Department of Health. Findings include: - Sixty-eight per cent of people aged 40 and over would choose a non-local NHS hospital within their Strategic Health Authority if it could deliver treatment in half the time of their nearest NHS provider; - Most are happy to go to either an NHS or a private provider so long as assurances are met over minimum standards of care and the provider is within reasonably easy reach of home; - Waiting times and cleanliness are important factors in deciding where to go for treatment. Notes to editors: For media enquiries only please contact 020 7210 5896 / 5301 / 5010 / 5317 / 5281 - all other and non-media enquiries to 020 7210 4850. Out of hours press office over the Xmas period FOR URGENT MEDIA ENQUIRIES RELATING TO IMMEDIATE STORIES ONLY: please call the duty press office number on 07050073581. If you need to get hold of the MORI findings on working days between Christmas and New Year only, please email [email protected]. [ENDS] Richmond House 79 Whitehall London SW1A 2NS Telephone: (Dept of Health) 0207 210-3000 (Press Office) 0207 210-5221 Fax: 0207 210-5433/4
DOH:CMO LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE - PEOPLE CONSIDERING COSMETIC SURGERY	Fri 23 December 05
Sent: 21 December 2005 12:45 DOH:CMO LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE - PEOPLE CONSIDERING COSMETIC SURGERY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2005/0454 22 December 2005 CMO LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE GIVING VITAL INFORMATION TO PEOPLE CONSIDERING COSMETIC SURGERY PLEASE NOTE EMBARGO Not for publication or broadcast before 0001 hours Thursday 22 Dec 2005 Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson today launched a new website providing important information for people considering cosmetic surgery. Last year Sir Liam asked Harry Cayton, Director for Patients and the Public, to convene an Expert Group to look at the regulation of cosmetic surgery. One of their key recommendations was that patients and the public should have access to detailed, accredited advice on cosmetic surgery including what standards to expect from providers, what qualifications to look for and what questions to ask. The Chief Medical Officer said: "Good public information on cosmetic surgery is essential. People need help and support to make informed choices about whether to have cosmetic surgery or a non-surgical cosmetic treatment. Well informed patients can help to drive up standards among providers in a field of healthcare where there have been concerns. I am sure that the web material will be widely used and will make a significant contribution to raising awareness among both the public and the providers. "It is in the interests of everyone working in the field to make sure that the public have access to reliable information. The Department of Health was fortunate to be able to draw on the expertise of a wide range of stakeholders in the professional, voluntary and independent sectors in putting this material together. I would like to thank those organisations who contributed." The website features useful information including: Questions to ask yourself about your reasons for wanting cosmetic surgery and your expectations of the results the procedure will bring, as well as some alternatives to cosmetic surgery. A handy 'cosmetic surgery checklist' of questions to ask, help to make sure that the provider gives you all the details you need to know in order to make an informed decision on whether cosmetic surgery is right for you. Information on how to check that the surgeons, doctors, dentists, nurses and beauty therapists who will be carrying out the cosmetic treatment have the right qualifications and experience. An A-Z list of all cosmetic procedures, what to think about to start with, what the treatment involves, what results you should expect and any risks you may need to know about Information on what to do if you are not happy with the results or have a complaint to make about a cosmetic surgery or treatment Harry Cayton, National Director for Patients and the Public at the Department of Health, said: "I am pleased with the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the Expert Group. The publication of this web-based information is one of the ways we can help people be more knowledgeable about cosmetic surgery and what they can expect from their treatment." Professor John Lowry, Chair of the Senate of Surgery's Cosmetic Surgery Interspecialty Committee, said : "The Committee greatly welcomes publication of greater information and more reliable guidance for patients considering cosmetic procedures. This will complement the work already well advanced in the development of enhanced training and assessment of practitioners, compliance with minimum healthcare standards and the monitoring of newly emerging techniques." Sally Taber, Head of Operational Policy at the Independent Healthcare Forum, said: "Our members are very keen to promote the website which better informs the general public, as the vast majority of cosmetic surgery/procedures is performed in the independent sector." Notes for Editors 1. The patient information can be accessed at the following web address: www.dh.gov.uk/cosmeticsurgery 2. A copy of the Report of the Expert Group on the Regulation of Cosmetic Surgery and the Department's response can be found in the the publications section at the following web address: www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4102046&chk=5WX0N3 3. The Cosmetic Surgery Interspecialty Committee (CSIC) was established by the Senate of Surgery of Great Britain & Ireland to address concerns raised by the Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Sir Liam Donaldson about quality standards in the provision of cosmetic surgery. The Committee greatly values the cooperative links with the Department of Health, Healthcare Commission, General Medical and Dental Councils and Postgraduate Medical Education & Training Board and recognises that much work still lies ahead to further enhance the highest standards of care and safety of our patients. 4. For further media enquiries please contact Ben Lewis on 020 7210 4990 or Michelle Hinds on 020 7210 5375 at the Department of Health Media Centre
DOH:NEW MEMBERS OF THE HUMAN GENETICS COMMISSION APPOINTED	Fri 23 December 05
Subject: DOH:NEW MEMBERS OF THE HUMAN GENETICS COMMISSION APPOINTED DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2005/0457 22 December 2005 NEW MEMBERS OF THE HUMAN GENETICS COMMISSION APPOINTED Health Minister Jane Kennedy and Science Minister Lord Sainsbury today announced the appointment of seven new members to the Human Genetics Commission. The new members are Dr Frances Flinter, Professor Christopher Higgins, Dr Rosemary Leonard, Ms Lola Oni OBE, Ms Alice Maynard, Professor Sarah Cunningham-Burley and Mrs Ros Gardner. Health Minister Jane Kennedy said: "I am delighted to announce these new appointments to the Human Genetic Commission. The Commission remains a valued source of expertise and well-considered advice for the Government. These appointments will help it to continue to address the important issues, challenges and benefits raised by the developments in human genetics." Science Minister Lord Sainsbury said: "The HGC brings broader social, ethical, legal and economic considerations to one of the most exciting and fastest evolving areas of science and technological development. Since its formation over five years ago, it has built up a strong reputation for the quality and balance of its advice, and this is greatly valued by Government. These new appointments will enable it to continue to draw on a broad and experienced membership in future." Notes for Editors 1. Details of new Members: - Dr Frances Flinter - Senior lecturer in clinical genetics at Kings College, London and Honorary Consultant in Clinical Genetics as well as Clinical Director of Children's Services and Genetics at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. - Professor Christopher Higgins - Director of Medical Research Council Clinical Sciences Centre and Head of Division of Clinical Sciences at Imperial College, London - Dr Rosemary Leonard - GP and resident GP on BBC1's Breakfast News, a contributor and weekly columnist with the Daily Express and a consultant medical editor of Woman and Home magazine. - Ms Lola Oni OBE - Specialist nurse in the field of sickle cell, Thalassaemia and related genetic conditions who has held her current post as service director and lecturer for ten years. - Ms Alice Maynard - Managing director of a company she founded to help organisations target people in traditionally hard to reach parts of the community. - Professor Sarah Cunningham-Burley - Professor of Medical and Family Sociology and also a co-director at the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, both at the University of Edinburgh. - Mrs Ros Gardner - a self employed management consultant specialising in customer care and complaint policies. 2. New Members will receive £148.59 a day attendance fee. 3. The Human Genetics Commission (HGC) advises Government on current and potential developments in human genetics and the likely impact on human health and healthcare as well as the social, ethical, legal and economic implications. A key role of the HGC is to promote public debate. 4. HGC has 24 members including experts in clinical and research genetics, consumer affairs, ethics, law, media, primary care, and those with experience in genetic conditions. HGC was established in 1999 and it reports to Health and Science Ministers. 5. Further information about the Human Genetics Commission can be found on the HGC website www.hgc.gov.uk For HGC media enquiries please contact Pat Wilson on 07990 550026. 6. Dept of Health media enquiries to Claire Rhodes on 020 7210 5238, Michelle Hinds on 020 7210 5375 or Ben Lewis on 020 7210 4990.
DOH:PUBLISHMENT OF PROPOSALS FOR AMBULANCE TRUST REORGANISATION	Thu 15 December 05
Subject: DOH:PUBLISHMENT OF PROPOSALS FOR AMBULANCE TRUST REORGANISATION DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2005/0446 14 December 2005 LORD WARNER PUBLISHES PROPOSALS FOR AMBULANCE TRUST REORGANISATION Ambulance trusts will have the infrastructure, capacity and capability to deliver improved, patient-centred care, under proposed organisational changes announced today by Health Minister Lord Warner. A consultation document published by the Department of Health sets out proposals for reducing the number of ambulance trusts in England from 31 to 11. Benefits of these larger trusts include: - More investment in front-line services as trusts make savings in 'back-room' functions; - Improved patient care by providing an opportunity to raise the standards of service provided by all trusts to the level of the best; - Better emergency planning with greater capacity and capability to respond to major incidents of all kinds; - More integrated services and better career opportunities for staff Health Minister Lord Warner said: "The ambulance review has given us a clear vision for a better service and has received widespread support. Our proposals for bigger more integrated trusts allow for increased investment in front-line staff and resources. "Under these proposals there would be no reduction in ambulance vehicles, or front-line staff. Instead a reorganised service will mean less bureaucracy, more money to invest in front line services and a better deal for patients. Response times for life-threatening situations will not be affected other than to continue to improve as they have been doing." These changes follow a strategic review of ambulance services in England conducted by Peter Bradley, national ambulance advisor and chief executive of London Ambulance Service. He was supported by a reference group of key stakeholders including ambulance trust chief executives, clinicians and representatives of other NHS organisations. The review resulted in a number of recommendations about the future of ambulances services in England that would improve patient services. A key recommendation was for fewer, bigger ambulance trusts to secure stronger management capacity and capability and better use of resources. The Government is committed to implementing all of Peter Bradley's recommendations, with consultation on any proposed ambulance trust mergers. The consultation will run for 14 weeks. Strategic Health Authorities will co-ordinate consultation in their areas in order to give as many people the opportunity to participate as possible. Proposals for the reconfiguration of Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) and Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are also going forward for consultation from today. All proposals will be subject to a fourteen-week local consultation and will therefore run concurrently with the ambulance trust consultation. No decisions will be taken regarding the reconfiguration of SHAs or PCTs until the results of the local consultations have been considered and any recommendations reviewed. Notes to editors: 1. Proposed changes to ambulance trust boundaries: New trust Current ambulance trusts North East North East Part of Tees, East & North Yorks (Tees only) North West Cumbria Lancashire Mersey Region Gtr Paris Yorkshire & the Humber Part of Tees, East & North Yorks (E & N Yorks only) West Yorks South Yorks Part of Lincolnshire (North Lincolnshire only) East Central East Midlands Lincolnshire (excluding North Lincolnshire) Half of Two Shires (Northamptonshire only) West Central West Midlands Hereford & Worcestershire Coventry & Warwickshire Staffordshire East of England East Anglian Essex Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire London London South East (A) Kent Surrey Sussex South East (B) Isle of Wight Hampshire Royal Berkshire Oxfordshire Half of Two Shires (Buckinghamshire and Milton Keyes only) South West (A) Avon Gloucestershire Wiltshire South West (B) Dorset West Country 2. The consultation document with all of the proposals is available on-line at www.dh.gov.uk/consultations 3. There will be no consultation on ambulance trust organisation in London, as no changes are proposed for London. 4. There will be no consultation on ambulance trust organisation in Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire as a separate consultation has concluded in that area, and a decision has been taken to merge the three ambulance trusts in that area. Transition will take place to the national timetable. 5. Responses to the consultation are sought by 22nd March 2006. 6. Peter Bradley's strategic review of NHS ambulance services can be found at http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/11/42/70/04114270.pdf 7. A national HR framework has been issued to support employers through the 'Transforming NHS Ambulance Service' process. In addition to supporting employers, the framework will help maintain service continuity and avoid disruption in services for patients. For further information, please visit: www.nhsemployers.org/nhsas 8. For media enquiries ONLY please contact 020 7210 5301/5435, for all other enquiries please contact 020 7210 4850. [ENDS]
DOH:NHS DELIVERING BETTER HOSPITAL FOOD AND CLEANLINESS	Tue 13 December 05
Subject: DOH:NHS DELIVERING BETTER HOSPITAL FOOD AND CLEANLINESS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2005/0441 8 December 2005 NHS DELIVERING BETTER HOSPITAL FOOD AND CLEANLINESS PEAT scores show overall improvement but CNO says more work needs to be done Chief Nursing Officer, Christine Beasley, today welcomed the publication of the PEAT (Patient Environment Action Team) results for 2004/05 showing an overall improvement in the standard of cleanliness and food in the NHS. Chris Beasley, Chief Nursing Officer, said "Food scores for hospitals show that more hospitals are providing an excellent or good service, delivering higher quality and better choice of food. But we know that lots more work needs to be done. With the introduction of initiatives such as protected mealtimes and 24-hour catering, staff in the NHS will now play a key role in ensuring that patients eat nutritional and balanced meals. "The NHS is now ensuring that cleanliness is everyone's business and these latest results show that many more hospitals are achieving excellent and good ratings. But we are not complacent and will continue to work with trusts to drive up standards. With the hard work of NHS staff, and the new statutory hygiene code and tougher inspection regime currently being discussed in parliament, we can work to further drive up standards of cleanliness across the NHS." This is the first time that the PEAT process has been undertaken as an entirely self-assessment in which many trusts involved their patient forums, infection control staff and healthcare teams. A number of sites, selected randomly, also received additional validation visits to assure quality and accuracy. Hospital Food % of Hospitals Excellent Good Acceptable Poor Unacceptable 2005 32.4% 51.5% 14.8% 1.3% 0.0% 2004 8.1% 50.3% 35.2% 5.9% 0.6% In 2005/06 the PEAT assessment will introduce a number of extra food-related questions to help assess the service to patients in more detail. The NHS serves 300 million meals at a cost of £500m annually. A survey of over 300 hospital trusts for last year shows the average spend on each main meal for patients in the NHS is £2.60, which includes labour costs and services. Patients now have a much wider choice of healthy nutritious food in the NHS, with dieticians helping to plan menus that provide a healthy balanced diet at the same time as food that people want to eat. The Better Hospital Food program has introduced a series of initiatives in the NHS to deliver high quality food and food services to patients. These include: Protected Mealtimes: Protected Mealtimes are periods on a hospital ward when all non-urgent clinical activity stops. During these times patients are able to eat without being interrupted and staff can offer assistance and at least 70% of hospitals now use this approach. 24-hour Catering: With the introduction of 24-hour Catering patients can now ask a nurse or housekeeper for food, snacks and drinks at any time of the day or night. Nutrition: Work is currently underway with the FSA to develop a set of nutrition and food based standrads for the NHS, to help put nutrition at the heart of food delivery in hospitals. Patient Environment % of Hospitals Excellent Good Acceptable Poor Unacceptable 2005 10.3% 44.8% 40.1% 4.6% 0.2% 2004 10.0% 38.5% 49.2% 2.0% 0.3% A PEAT assessment not only looks at the cleanliness issues within a hospital but also takes stock of other areas, which influence the patient's overall experience. For example; decoration, linen, furniture and state of repair. A number of high profile programmes, including the continuing NPSA Cleanyourhands campaign and the Think Clean Day undertaken by many trusts, have ensured that environmental issues within hospitals stay at the top of the NHS agenda. Guidance to help ensure hospitals have clear and binding contracts to deliver high standards of cleaning was published in December last year. The guidance provided: - A best practice guide on evaluating and awarding contracts so that quality is considered alongside price - Revised National Specifications for Cleanliness which set out clearly the standards which hospitals should provide as a minimum - The recommended minimum cleaning frequencies which need to be followed - A revised Healthcare Facilities Cleaning Manual to reflect changes in cleaning technologies and practices Notes for Editors 1. The national PEAT scores can be found on the DH website www.dh.gov.uk/healthcareenvironment 2. The 2006 Patient Environment Action Team (PEAT) process will commence from 2nd January 2006. A number of changes have been made to both the assessment form and the process for the forthcoming round and these changes are set out in more detail below. With the closure of NHS Estates, responsibility for the day-to-day management of the PEAT programme has transferred to the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) although both the Department of Health and the Healthcare Commission continue to be partners in this process. The move away from the 'Star Ratings' has required a comprehensive review of the PEAT assessment to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of its various stakeholders and to reflect the policy priorities of Ministers and the Healthcare Commission. 3. For further information opn hospital food please visit: http://195.92.246.148/nhsestates/better_hospital_food/bhf_content/introduction/home.asp 4. For further media enquiries please contact Ben Lewis on 020 7210 4990, Brenda Irons-Roberts on 020 7210 5649 or Helen Hampton on 020 7210 5658.
HEWITT SETS OUT NEXT STEPS FOR NHS REFORM	Tue 13 December 05
Subject: DOH:HEWITT SETS OUT NEXT STEPS FOR NHS REFORM DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2005/0445 13 December 2005 HEWITT SETS OUT NEXT STEPS FOR NHS REFORM Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt today set out the two-year programme for the next stages of NHS reform. She said that Government was committed to pressing ahead with root and branch reform in order to create a modern, self-improving, value-for-money NHS that better met the needs of both patients and taxpayers. She announced that: - financial reforms would continue to tackle deficits and ensure better value for money; - fairer funding would go to deprived areas, enabling GPs in the areas of the greatest health inequalities commission services to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities in these areas; and - continued use would be made of the independent sector to achieve waiting list reductions. Patricia Hewitt said: "The next 24 months will determine what kind of NHS we will have for the next 20 years. "The NHS has been through a first phase transformation. Phase one was about driving up standards. Waiting lists are the lowest since records began, deaths from the big killer diseases are falling, we have transformed A&E services and we have more new hospitals. "But whilst some parts of the NHS are world-beaters, the NHS as a whole is not. It still fails too many people, especially the poorest, most vulnerable and most in need. That's why we need a second stage transformation, giving patients better service as well as better value for money. "We can't achieve these goals through national targets and command and control. We need to ensure that the system itself has the right incentives for continuous improvement and better value for money embedded into it." On the issue of financial reform she said: "More money than ever is going into the NHS. But we need to ensure that we're getting efficiency and value for money for every extra penny. "The system of the past, with hospitals given an annual block grant, was completely inefficient. There was no incentive to improve. If you failed to balance the books you got bailed out and if you ran up a surplus it got taken from you. "The transition to payment by results - where hospitals will get paid for every item of work they do - will radically change this. As money follows the patient, poor performance will be obvious and hospitals will have real incentives to improve. "Reform is the solution, not the problem. Reform serves to highlight financial deficits so we can locate the problem and fix it. The failure of a minority of organisations to live within the resources available at a time when funding growth is at historic levels underlines the importance of reform. "Waste and inefficiency in the NHS is intolerable. A penny wasted is a penny stolen from a patient. I want NHS staff to help me root out examples of waste and work together to stop them by shining a light on examples of inefficiency." She said the Government would not backtrack from wholesale reform, because it would mean greater choice for patients, with more providers of care. "We need to march on with reform because society, economy and the world keeps on changing and the NHS needs to change with it. If we are to convince the public to keep supporting a tax-funded system, free at the point of need, then the NHS has to provide not just a greater quantity of healthcare but greater quality too. "We still spend too much on dealing with people who are sick compared to helping people stay fit and healthy. We need a patient-led NHS with more choice and a stronger voice for patients and users. "Every patient will, by 1 January, be offered a choice of at least four hospitals, with the range of choices built up through next year until 2008 when every patient will be able to choose from any hospital. "We need to offer more choice after diagnosis as well as at referral. We want to build on the direct payments and individual budgets that are starting to give people far more choice over their care. "GPs will also be more accountable for taxpayers' money through practice-based commissioning. Every GP will have an indicative budget from their Primary Care Trust (PCT) to pull services into the community where they are most convenient for patients and provide better value for money. "Stronger PCTs will ensure the right service provision and balance exists. GPs who manage their budgets well will have more freedom to innovate and invest and those that don't will be held to account by their PCT. "We will also over time move GPs from budgets based on historic activity to budgets based on fair shares, again tackling the injustice that has too often seen communities with the greatest health needs receive the worst health services. "I know that the second wave of independent sector procurement is also controversial, but I also know that the only way to achieve the 18 week target will be to achieve an enormous increase in diagnostic capacity both in the NHS and independent sector. We won't abolish waiting lists without it." Ms Hewitt also launched the publication of Reform of the NHS in England: Update and Next Steps, a handbook for the local NHS on how to deliver the reforms. It sets out the framework for the reforms of the NHS. It is the first in a series of publications building on the commitment in Creating a Patient-led NHS to explain how the whole reform programme fits together. While many of the policies and initiatives in the document are well known, it explains how the reforms are mutually reinforcing and sets out a programme of further work for 2006/07. Patricia Hewitt concluded: "If we stick to our course of investment and reform, the NHS will provide better, faster, safer care and a service which has the patient at its heart." Notes to editors: 1. Patricia Hewitt was giving the London School of Economics Annual Health and Social Care Lecture entitled Investment and Reform: Transforming Health and Healthcare. 2. Reform of the NHS in England: Update and Next Steps is available at www.dh.gov.uk/publications 3. For media enquires contact 020 7210 5010. For non-media/general enquiries contact 020 7210 4850. [ENDS]