Chief executive bulletin

1. Commissioning a Patient-led NHS Update (Gateway reference number: 6069)

This is the latest in a regular series of updates on Commissioning a Patient-Led NHS. It is available at:

2. The NHS in England: the operating framework for 2006/7 (Gateway reference number: 6054)

This document sets out the specific business and financial arrangements for the NHS for 2006/7. It describes, amongst other things, the delivery priorities, the payment by results and tariff details and expectations on the development of choice, commissioning and practice-based commissioning. It gives new SHAs the influence to ensure local implementation of the guidance. The whole document can be found at:

Additional information at:

3. Strengthening Voluntary Sector Partnerships - National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) Public Affiliate Scheme (Gateway reference number: 6065)

This scheme is open to all NHS organisations. It provides up to date news, trends and policy developments within the sector, as well as guidance on best practice to enhance public/voluntary sector partnerships. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about the voluntary sector from its perspective. Further details and an application form can be accessed at:

• the National Council for Voluntary Organisations website (opens new window)

or contact:

• chris.taylor@ncvo-vol.org.uk (opens new window)

Consultations and evaluations

4. Proposed changes to residential care charges from April 2006 (Gateway reference number: 6064)

The Department of Health has published a consultation paper advising the Local Government Association, councils with social services responsibilities, Care Trusts and other interested parties of the proposed changes to the system for residential care charges to be made in April 2006.  A consultation on the proposed changes is taking place between 24 January 2006 and 7 March 2006. 

Chief Executives are asked to ensure awareness of this consultation within their organisation.

The consultation paper is available at:

Publications

5. New guidance on practice based commissioning - 'Practice based commissioning: achieving universal coverage' (Gateway reference number: 6053)

This guidance sets out for PCTs and practices how universal coverage of practice based commissioning will be achieved by 31 December 2006. It is available at:

6. GMS Standard Contract (Gateway reference number: 5698)

Please note that following publication of the NHS (Primary Medical Services)(Miscellaneous Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2005 (SI2005/3315) (effective from 6/1/06) the GMS standard contract has been redrafted.

A revised standard GMS contract, together with a standard variation document for use with all existing GMS contracts, is available at:

7. Letter from the Chief Dental Officer about appointments to dental SHO posts (Gateway reference number: 6034)

As the Modernising Medical Careers programme does not include dentistry, there will be a continued need for SHO post in the dental specialties after the introduction of Foundation Year 1&2 posts to medicine. The CDO's letter asks for these posts to be retained. Available at:

• Appointments to dental senior house officer (SHO) posts

8. Responding to Domestic Abuse: a handbook for Health Professionals (Gateway reference number: 5802)

This updates the domestic violence manual, published in 2000. It aims to provide health care professionals with a framework for dealing with domestic abuse and means to access support and advice. Available at

• Responding to domestic abuse: A handbook for health professionals

9. Best Research for Best Health - a new national health research strategy for England (Gateway reference number: 6050)

The Department of Health has launched its new strategy for creating a vibrant environment for health research in the NHS. The strategy and implementation plans are available at:

• Best Research for Best Health - a new national health research strategy

Conferences and events - i) what's new

No news this week

Conferences and events - ii) places still available

No news this week

Patient safety alerts

10. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT - MDA/2006/003 (Gateway reference number: 6059)

Light beam diaphragms for diagnostic X-ray equipment

This Medical Device Alert was issued on 18 January 2006 to NHS trusts for action and update. Further information can be found at:

• www.mhra.gov.uk (opens new window)

11. MEDICAL DEVICE ALERT - MDA/2006/004 (Gateway reference number: 6060)

Crest Medical Blue Dot umbilical cord clamps and Crest Medical maternity packs

This Medical Device Alert was issued on 23 January 2006 to NHS trusts for action. Further information can be found at:

• www.mhra.gov.uk (opens new window)