Gateway reference number: 01611
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Contents
Announcement from Simon Stevens
CCGs to have greater influence over NHS funding to improve primary care
NHS Commissioning Assembly News:
NHS Commissioning Assembly – widening the impact
Refreshed finance working group to tackle big issues
New case study facility launched on NHS England’s Learning Environment
Strategic issues:
New task force to support specialised commissioning
CCG authorisation and assurance update
End of life care resources published by PHE
Further support to strategic planning – webinar recordings
2015/16 National Tariff: methodology discussion paper published
CCG equality and diversity survey
Launch of the Regional Innovation Fund
Operational issues:
Microsoft XP Premier Support Agreement reminder and further information for CCGs, CSUs and GP Practices using Windows XP- Urgent action required
Suspension of Mandatory Data Reporting
Quality Premium 2013/14: assessment of achievement of local measures
Local pricing reminder
Updated Post Infection Review guidance for MRSA bloodstream infections
Reminder and update: Improving adult rehabilitation services online questionnaire
CCG representatives on the Programme of Care boards
Other News:
Assuring Transformation Publication of 31 March data
Integrated Digital Care Fund- Assessors required
Developing a National District Nursing Workforce Planning Framework: A report commissioned by NHS England
Annual Flu Plan 2014/15 and letter published
Have your say on police powers on mental health
Complain for Change – Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman launches campaign for people with a learning disability
Positive and proactive care: reducing the need for restrictive interventions
Experts welcome unprecedented focus on children and young people’s healthcare but say more progress needed across system
Information Governance Bulletin- Issue 13 published
Winterbourne View Joint Improvement Programme Monthly Bulletin published
Events and Campaigns:
International Midwives and Nurses Days marked with blogs, webinars and events
Evaluation learning event – 30 June, Coventry
Winterbourne View Joint Improvement Programme – Collaborative Commissioning Workshops
Learning Disability Census 2014 – Engagement events
NHS Commissioning Integrated Care Event – London, 19 June
Announcement from Simon Stevens
CCGs to have greater influence over NHS funding to improve primary care
Speaking at the Annual Conference of NHS Clinical Commissioners in London on Thursday 1 May, Simon Stevens announced a new option for local CCGs to co-commission primary care in partnership with NHS England.
CCGs will get new powers to improve local health services under a new commissioning initiative that will give CCGs “greater influence over the way NHS funding is being invested for local populations.”
Simon Stevens invited CCGs that are interested in an expanded role in primary care to come forward and show how new powers would enable them to drive up the quality of care, cut health inequalities in primary care, and help put their local NHS on a sustainable path for the next five years and beyond.
NHS England will write to all CCGs in England next week with details of how to submit expressions of interest in taking on enhanced powers and responsibilities to co-commission primary care.
CCG expressions of interest should be developed by June 20, the same date that CCGs will complete their initial five-year ‘Forward Views’ for local NHS services.
NHS Commissioning Assembly News
NHS Commissioning Assembly – widening the impact
At the end of April, we began implementing plans to expand the membership of the NHS Commissioning Assembly and focus its work around key priority areas. CCG leaders will have received invitations to get involved in the work of the Assembly and to date the Secretariat team has had more than 150 new members join in response to that call. Please contact us if those in leading roles in your CCG want to find out more.
You can also read NHS Commissioning Assembly Co-Chair, Dr Peter Melton’s blog on the NHS England website to find out more about plans to develop the Assembly this year.
For further information please contact us or visit our website.
Refreshed finance working group to tackle big issues
A Commissioning Assembly Finance Group will begin meeting in May. This builds on the finance working group which worked during the autumn to consider allocations. The group will now meet on a regular basis to discuss issues of common concern and work together on solutions to some of the financial challenges the NHS faces over the coming months and years.
Members will include those who were part of the original working groups as well as members nominated by NHS Clinical Commissioners. The first meeting will consider the issue of CHC provision and issues arising from year end, such as arbitration and annual report guidance. Further information will be available on the Commissioning Assembly website.
New case study facility launched on NHS England’s Learning Environment
NHS Englandhas launched a new case study Pinboard as part of its on-line Learning Environment. The searchable library of case studies for commissioners has been developed in response to requests from NHS organisations to share examples of good practice, and users can browse, add and download examples of good practice from across the country. The case studies cover a wide variety of development areas including strategic and operational planning, organisational development and leadership development.
For any queries or feedback on the Pinboard please contact us
Strategic Issues
New task force to support specialised commissioning
NHS England has set up an internal task force to make immediate improvements to the way in which specialised services are commissioned. The task force comprises seven distinct workstreams, with a particular focus on financial control in 2014/15, and planning for the 2015/16 commissioning round. To find out more, click here.
CCG authorisation and assurance update
The outcome of the latest CCG conditions and assurance meetings is now available on NHS England’s website. All 211 CCGs are authorised, with a further seven discharging all of their conditions since the last review, and the number with directions remaining at three. All CCGs are assured.
For more details about the authorisation and assurance process, and the latest update, see NHS England’s website .
End of life care resources published by PHE
Public Health England’s (PHE) National End of Life Care Intelligence Network (NEoLCIN) has published three end of life care resources.
The first report presents the results of a national survey of CCGs to gather information about the implementation of Electronic Palliative Care Co-ordination Systems (EPaCCS) since 2012.
End of life care profiles for CCGs have been published for the first time to help commissioners and providers get a clearer picture of the end of life care needs of their local populations.
Thirdly a report, called Patterns in end of life care in England (2008-2010),summarises some of the key indicators from the NEoLCIN’s 2012 local authority profiles.
Further support to strategic planning – webinar recordings
The recordings of two webinars showcasing the Anytown and Levels of Ambition for improved outcomes tools are now available for CCG, area team and CSU colleagues, to support strategic plans. Both webinars included Q&A sessions and provide contact details for further support.
2015/16 National Tariff: methodology discussion paper published
NHS England and Monitor have published a discussion paper on our proposed approach to setting the 2015/16 national tariff. It covers potential changes to the method for setting national prices and cost adjustments. The document poses a number of questions for commissioners and providers, on which feedback is invited by Friday 23 May.
CCG equality and diversity survey
The principles of equality and diversity are embedded in the vision and values of the new NHS system. Last year a survey of CCGs was conducted to understand the equality and diversity of the CCG workforce, including the governing body. This survey is being repeated this year and will be sent out to CCGs from NHS England.
The survey will also contain optional questions on GP involvement in CCG decision making and on succession planning.
Launch of the Regional Innovation Fund
A Regional Innovation Fund (RIF) of £2.5m is available this year to promote the adoption of innovation and the spread of best practice across the NHS.
The fund is open to the NHS and AHSNs. All allocations made through the fund will seek to deliver significant improvements in quality and efficiency in the NHS through innovation. Bids can be developed alone, or through collaboration with other partners such as providers, local government, the third-sector, private healthcare and industry. The closing date for applications is 5pm, Friday 30 May 2014. All allocations made through the fund will be allocated by end June 2014.
For information on the RIF competition process and to access the RIF application form and guidance, please visit Innovation Exchange, NHS England’s Innovation web-portal.
Operational Issues – for action
Microsoft XP Premier Support Agreement reminder and further information for CCGs, CSUs and GP Practices using Windows XP- Urgent action required
Microsoft announced several years ago that it would be ending free support for Windows XP on 8 April 2014.
This briefing provides further detail on how NHS organisations can access the necessary support – the Custom Support Form can be downloaded here.
NHS England, Cabinet Office Crown Commercial Services and The Department of Health and have been in discussions with Microsoft regarding the end of Microsoft support for Windows XP. As many organisations, including those in the NHS, remain on Windows XP, Crown Commercial Services have negotiated a government wide deal with Microsoft for custom support for a period of 12 months.
For further information please contact the support team.
Suspension of Mandatory Data Reporting
This document sets out guidelines for providers of NHS services who need to consider suspending the reporting of mandatory data for example, Referral to Treatment (RTT) waiting times and the Monthly Activity Return. This is including the outline of CCGs contractual responsibilities on reporting.
The guidelines outline the expectations and responsibilities of NHS Trusts where they are considering suspension of mandatory data reporting.
Quality Premium 2013/14: assessment of achievement of local measures
The Quality Premium: Eligibility and Assessment Arrangements guidance issued in March 2014, advised that area teams and CCGs should jointly assess each CCG’s position in relation to the three Quality Premium local measures, and that area teams should advise the national support centre of the local measures achieved by each CCG by the end of quarter 2, 2014/15.
A template has now been developed as the format for area teams, working with CCGs, to supply the information. Please select the relevant CCG from the drop down list to complete.
Completed templates should be submitted by area teams to Jeff Featherstone by 30 September 2014.
Local pricing reminder
All CCGs are now required to submit details of local pricing arrangements, as set out in the 2014-15 National Tariff Document, to Monitor and NHS England using the templates available on the Monitor website. More information and templates can be found here
Updated Post Infection Review guidance for MRSA bloodstream infections
NHS England has updated the Post Infection Review guidance for MRSA bloodstream infections to allow for the assignment of a case of MRSA bloodstream infection to a ‘third party’ through the arbitration process led by the Regional Director of Nursing or the Regional Medical Director (or their designated nominees).
Third party assignment acknowledges the complex nature of MRSA bloodstream infections which previously may have been allocated to providers or CCGs who were not involved in the patients care or who can provide a strong case following the Post Infection Review that there were no possible failings in patient care.
Reminder and update: Improving adult rehabilitation services online questionnaire
As noted in the 17 April bulletin, we are inviting CCGs to complete a brief online questionnaire about adult rehabilitation services.
The purpose is to establish a baseline of adult rehabilitation services commissioned by the NHS across England; to understand availability, gaps and identify priorities. We also hope the process of completing the questionnaire will support CCGs by providing a tool and process to assist local mapping.
The questionnaire can be accessed here. The deadline is now Friday, 6 June 2014. A guide is attached to support completion.
For further information please contact Bushara Bostan.
CCG representatives on the Programme of Care boards
NHS England is seeking a CCG representative to sit on one of the specialised commissioning programme of care boards. The five programme of care boards oversee specialised commissioning policy and strategy within their clinical area. A representative is sought for the Internal Medicine board.
For further information or to express an interest please contact Felicity Taylor.
Other News – for information
Assuring Transformation Publication of 31 March data
NHS England will publish the data for the 31 March Assuring Transformation data collection on 15 May 2014. This data collection was in relation to transfer dates for people with learning disabilities, autism and behaviour that challenges. We wish to express our thanks to the CCGs and NHS England specialised commissioning teams for their support in the collection of the data.
Integrated Digital Care Fund- Assessors required
NHS England are looking for assessors to support with the Integrated Digital Care Fund application process.
In July 2013 NHS England launched the Safer Hospitals, Safer Wards Technology Fund. Over 770 applications were received, and following completion of a rigorous assessment process, over £200m of capital investment was awarded to organisations.
A further £240m for the second tranche of the technology fund – renamed the Integrated Digital Care Fund- was announced in September 2013. The prospectus and application window for this will be launched in the coming weeks.
A significant element of the assessment process is the interview with applicants. Potential interviewers are now being recruited.
Assessments will take place throughout July and August with venues likely to be in Leeds and London. Whole day availability will be required and training will be provided.
For further information or if you are interested in participating in the assessment process, please email us.
Developing a National District Nursing Workforce Planning Framework: A report commissioned by NHS England
This report provides advice for commissioners on District Nursing services and considers how teams can work at operational level to make the most efficient use of the resources available to deliver the contract.
It provides an overview of best practice in District Nurse caseload allocation and workload scheduling when implementing an IT based allocation system to ensure appropriate prioritisation, based around patient need and practitioner availability to improve workforce efficiency and reduce administration time
Commissioners may wish to engage with providers in order that specific monitoring data for the District Nurse service contract is captured including patient outcome data.
Annual Flu Plan 2014/15 and letter published
The Annual Flu Plan and letterwere published on 28 April 2014. The letter provides guidance on the routine flu immunisation programme and phased rollout to healthy children for 2014/15. The Annual plan sets out a coordinated and evidence-based approach to planning for and responding to the demands of flu across England.
Queries relating to this matter should be addressed to immunisation@phe.gov.uk.
Have your say on police powers on mental health
The government is reviewing legislation on how police support people experiencing mental health crises. This is designed improve the crisis care of people detained under Sections 135 and 136 of the Mental Health Act (1983).
Please take the time you to give your views on this by completing an online survey, and share with your networks and colleagues so we can hear from everyone who could be affected.
Complain for Change – Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman launches campaign for people with a learning disability
Working with the charity Mencap, the Health Service Ombudsman has launched a campaign to encourage people with a learning disability, their families, friends and carers to complain if they have received poor NHS care.
Despite being high users of NHS services, people with a learning disability are less likely to complain due to a lack of awareness and a fear of receiving worse service in the future. Our aim is to make sure that people know how to complain and feel comfortable doing so.
The campaign includes an animated video, accessible leaflets, and posters. The campaign also features advertising in GP surgeries across London beginning on 1 May. Please help improve healthcare for people with learning disabilities by supporting this campaign.
For further information please contact Rowena Mbanu or Roger Dickens.
Positive and proactive care: reducing the need for restrictive interventions
The Department of Health’s new two-year programme, Positive and Safe, aimsto radically reduce the use of all restrictive interventions, including restraint, supportinghealth and adult social care services to develop a culture where restrictive interventions are only ever used as a last resort and for the shortest possible time.
Commissioners will be expected to know about the use of restrictive interventions carried out by providers and to monitor and act on any concerns.
Have a look at the recently published Department of Health guidance, ‘Positive and Proactive Care: reducing the need for restrictive interventions’ and the new guide to workforce development for commissioners and providers to minimise the use of restrictive practices from Skills for Care and Skills for Health, to make sure your policies and processes are up to date.
Experts welcome unprecedented focus on children and young people’s healthcare but say more progress needed across system
Support for children and young people’s health is getting better, according to a new report published on Wednesday 30 April. The first annual report by the Children and Young People’s Health Outcomes Forum has praised the progress but has also highlighted areas where more needs to be done.
The report shows that by investing in early intervention the pressure on the health service is reduced in the longer term. The report calls for a cross-system approach, joining up government, the whole health service, social care and education professionals to improve care for young people.
Information Governance Bulletin- Issue 13 published
Amongst other issues, this edition includes an update on GP IT and information governance and the latest news on the care.data programme.
Winterbourne View Joint Improvement Programme Monthly Bulletin published
This is the April edition of the monthly Winterbourne View Joint Improvement Programme bulletin.
Events and campaigns
International Midwives and Nurses Days marked with blogs, webinars and events
International Day of the Midwife, Monday 5May and International Nurses Day, Monday 12 May 2014 are being marked by 6Cs Live! with an array of blogs, webinars and events. Patients, families and carers will be sharing their experiences of what the 6Cs (care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment) mean to them in a range of webinars which are free to join.
A series of ‘A day in the life of’ blogs will be posted on 6Cs Live! to celebrate the wide context in which nurses, midwives and care staff deliver care.
You can also join the 6Cs Live! Event Community to stay connected and share how you are marking these two key dates.
Evaluation learning event – 30 June, Coventry
Public Health England are holding an evaluation learning workshop focused specifically on addressing practical problems that sites are facing around evaluation. The workshop is aimed primarily at those working in CCGs and organisations linked to health or social care who wish to explore the evaluation process in more detail.
Places will be limited on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register for the event here
Click here for further information
If you have any questions please contact Mohini Morris,tel: 020 765 48444.
Winterbourne View Joint Improvement Programme – Collaborative Commissioning Workshops
Local commissioning partners through the Winterbourne Stocktake identified a lack of clarity regarding the respective roles of specialist and local commissioners with regard to people with learning disabilities and autism.
In response these workshops will enable partners to identify challenges that prevent a clear pathway between services commissioned by specialised and local NHS and social care commissioners. They will support areas to develop solutions so that people with a learning difficulty and Autism have the care and support they need to live fulfilling and safe lives in their communities.
Please see the gov.uk website for further information, or contact Marie Coffey.
Learning Disability Census 2014 – Engagement events
The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC); the Department of Health and Care Quality Commission (CQC) are organising seven awareness events in June and July to prepare for the 2014 census.
The Census provides valuable data for commissioners. It is important commissioners are represented at the events, whilst recognising that they are focused on providers who will have to complete the census return. They are in different locations across the country to make attending easier.
The events will provide background information, concerning who should take part in the census, key considerations and data to be collected. Further details will be available shortly on the HSCIC website.
For further information please contact us.
NHS Commissioning Integrated Care Event – London, 19 June
CCGs are invited to attend this free event which will focus on the integration of healthcare services – sharing the opportunities and approaches that the Integrated Care agenda presents for NHS providers and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). Chaired by the NHS Strategic Projects Team Director Andrew MacPherson, they will share the experiences of Integrated Care from managing the innovative Cambridge & Peterborough CGG ‘Integrated Older People’s Pathway and Adult Community Services’ procurement; a 5 year £800m tender.
Please see the event page for more information, full programme details and to register.
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