NEWS - MARCH 2019
THE NHS REGULATOR GIVES LIST TO PRIVATE PROVIDERS ... 2 pages
A list of NHS Trusts which may need to outsource operations to reduce their waiting lists has been drawn up by regulators and given to private providers.
The list of NHS Trusts has been distributed among providers such as Spire Healthcare, Care UK and Nuffield Health, to make them aware of potential opportunities.
The move has come in response to deteriorating performance against the 18-week referral-to-treatment pathway for non-urgent procedures.
Planning guidance issued by NHS England and NHS Improvement in February said additional funding would enable the overall waiting list to be “no higher in March 2019 than in March 2018”. The number of patients waiting more than 52 weeks should be halved by March 2019, it said.
If the planning guidance objectives are to be met, then many areas are likely to require support from private providers.
However, it is unclear to what extent local leaders will be pressured into outsourcing arrangements, because there have also been concerns about the cost to the NHS. There is already a high risk of the NHS overspending its revenue budget in 2018-19.
In a quarterly update published last week, NHSI said it was working with the Independent Healthcare Providers Network to ensure that outsourcing is “done as efficiently as possible”.
The list appears to be based on data returns submitted by Trusts following a drive by NHS England to ensure plans were in place to meet the objectives.
A list of NHS Trusts which may need to outsource operations to reduce their waiting lists has been drawn up by regulators and given to private providers.
The list of NHS Trusts has been distributed among providers such as Spire Healthcare, Care UK and Nuffield Health, to make them aware of potential opportunities.
The move has come in response to deteriorating performance against the 18-week referral-to-treatment pathway for non-urgent procedures.
Planning guidance issued by NHS England and NHS Improvement in February said additional funding would enable the overall waiting list to be “no higher in March 2019 than in March 2018”. The number of patients waiting more than 52 weeks should be halved by March 2019, it said.
If the planning guidance objectives are to be met, then many areas are likely to require support from private providers.
However, it is unclear to what extent local leaders will be pressured into outsourcing arrangements, because there have also been concerns about the cost to the NHS. There is already a high risk of the NHS overspending its revenue budget in 2018-19.
In a quarterly update published last week, NHSI said it was working with the Independent Healthcare Providers Network to ensure that outsourcing is “done as efficiently as possible”.
The list appears to be based on data returns submitted by Trusts following a drive by NHS England to ensure plans were in place to meet the objectives.
CQC FEES FROM PROVIDERS ... 20 pages
This legal fee scheme document will become effective on 1 April 2019.
A service provider will pay fees to CQC for the grant or subsistence of its registration under Chapter 2 of the Act or for reviews and performance assessments under Chapter 3 of the Act.
The fee will be calculated as described in paragraphs 1-10 of the attached.
This legal fee scheme document will become effective on 1 April 2019.
A service provider will pay fees to CQC for the grant or subsistence of its registration under Chapter 2 of the Act or for reviews and performance assessments under Chapter 3 of the Act.
The fee will be calculated as described in paragraphs 1-10 of the attached.
NOT ALLOWED TO REGISTER WITH A GP
Letter to the Rt. Hon. Matt Hancock, MP - Secretary of state, Department of Health and Social Care ... 4 pages
The report describes the findings of a mystery shopping exercise by a charity which contacted 50 GP practices posing as a patient wishing to register who didn’t have a fixed address or proof of identity.
It found that almost half of practices would not register them.
Despite this, every GP practice was rated “good” or “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission for their work with “people whose circumstances may make them vulnerable”.
https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/news/friends-families-and-travellers-calls-on-government-to-address-issues-for-travellers-registering-at-gp-practices-once-and-for-all/
Letter to the Rt. Hon. Matt Hancock, MP - Secretary of state, Department of Health and Social Care ... 4 pages
The report describes the findings of a mystery shopping exercise by a charity which contacted 50 GP practices posing as a patient wishing to register who didn’t have a fixed address or proof of identity.
It found that almost half of practices would not register them.
Despite this, every GP practice was rated “good” or “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission for their work with “people whose circumstances may make them vulnerable”.
https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/news/friends-families-and-travellers-calls-on-government-to-address-issues-for-travellers-registering-at-gp-practices-once-and-for-all/
INTEGRATED CARE PROVIDERS ... 40 pages
NHS England has now published the response to the 12-week consultation, which ran from August to October 2018, on the proposed contracting arrangements for integrated care providers (ICPs).
NHS England has now published the response to the 12-week consultation, which ran from August to October 2018, on the proposed contracting arrangements for integrated care providers (ICPs).
OMBUDSMAN GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE, ADULT SOCIAL CARE ... 25 pages
https://www.networks.nhs.uk/networks/news/lessons-from-independent-care-provider-investigations
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman good practice guide to help adult social care providers improve their services.
Based on the Ombudsman’s lengthy experience of investigating complaints about independent providers, the guide gives real-life examples of the common problems the organisation sees – and offers some ways to avoid the pitfalls.
https://www.networks.nhs.uk/networks/news/lessons-from-independent-care-provider-investigations
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman good practice guide to help adult social care providers improve their services.
Based on the Ombudsman’s lengthy experience of investigating complaints about independent providers, the guide gives real-life examples of the common problems the organisation sees – and offers some ways to avoid the pitfalls.
GETTING GPs TO RETURN ... 14 pages
The Government has assorted initiatives to increase GP numbers. This brochure has been produced for GPs' information.
The Government has assorted initiatives to increase GP numbers. This brochure has been produced for GPs' information.
REPORTS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST
Joint Committee on the Draft Health Service Safety Investigations Bill
https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/jt201719/jtselect/jthssib/1064/106402.htm
Joint Committee on the Draft Health Service Safety Investigations Bill
https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/jt201719/jtselect/jthssib/1064/106402.htm
Work of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/health-committee/inquiries/parliament-2017/work-of-secretary-of-state-for-health-inquiry-17-19/publications/
https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/health-committee/inquiries/parliament-2017/work-of-secretary-of-state-for-health-inquiry-17-19/publications/
Department of Health and Social Care Accounts inquiry
https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/public-accounts-committee/inquiries/parliament-2017/inquiry11/
https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/public-accounts-committee/inquiries/parliament-2017/inquiry11/
Clinical Commissioning Groups inquiry
Following the Committee’s investigation into NHS continuing healthcare funding in January 2018, funding pressures on CCGs have been an ongoing concern. On 9 January, the Committee will question senior officials at the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England about why so many CCGs are failing to function effectively and increasing numbers are overspending against their budgets. The Committee will also consider the current and future role of CCGs, examining how local health service needs will be protected.
https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/public-accounts-committee/inquiries/parliament-2017/clinical-commissioning-groups-17-19/
Following the Committee’s investigation into NHS continuing healthcare funding in January 2018, funding pressures on CCGs have been an ongoing concern. On 9 January, the Committee will question senior officials at the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England about why so many CCGs are failing to function effectively and increasing numbers are overspending against their budgets. The Committee will also consider the current and future role of CCGs, examining how local health service needs will be protected.
https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/public-accounts-committee/inquiries/parliament-2017/clinical-commissioning-groups-17-19/
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Scrutiny 2017-18
https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/public-administration-and-constitutional-affairs-committee/inquiries/parliament-2017/inquiry11/
https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/public-administration-and-constitutional-affairs-committee/inquiries/parliament-2017/inquiry11/
GENERAL DEBATE ON THE NHS 10-YEAR PLAN
Letter from the Minister of State for Care, Caroline Dinenage to Jon Ashworth, MP, House of Commons ... 5 pages
“Members raised the issue of health services changing in their constituency."
Whilst I fully appreciate the concerns of Members, patients and citizens, I believe that it would not be right for Ministers to intervene in what is a local decision. Clinicians, not politicians, are best placed to make decisions about patient care.”
Letter from the Minister of State for Care, Caroline Dinenage to Jon Ashworth, MP, House of Commons ... 5 pages
“Members raised the issue of health services changing in their constituency."
Whilst I fully appreciate the concerns of Members, patients and citizens, I believe that it would not be right for Ministers to intervene in what is a local decision. Clinicians, not politicians, are best placed to make decisions about patient care.”
CQC REPORT ... LEARNING FROM DEATHS - A Review of the 1st year of NHS Trusts implementing the National Guidance
31 pages
Trusts are not doing enough to review and learn from the deaths of their patients, a report from the Care Quality Commission has warned.
The review, which assessed how Trusts had responded to national guidance issued in 2017 on the learning from deaths process, also found NHS staff were fearful of engaging with bereaved families, while the deaths of patients in the community were possibly not being properly investigated.
31 pages
Trusts are not doing enough to review and learn from the deaths of their patients, a report from the Care Quality Commission has warned.
The review, which assessed how Trusts had responded to national guidance issued in 2017 on the learning from deaths process, also found NHS staff were fearful of engaging with bereaved families, while the deaths of patients in the community were possibly not being properly investigated.
NATIONAL ADVISER FOR LGBT HEALTH
Dr Michael Brady, Medical Director of the Terrence Higgins Trust and a sexual health and HIV Consultant at King’s College Hospital, will advise the government on how to tackle inequality in the healthcare system including:
- Clinical adviser in the NHS appointed to advise on LGBT health issues
- Expert panel also appointed, which will focus on key issues such as conversion therapy, improving access and tackling inequality in healthcare
- Government Equalities Office to host inaugural national LGBT conference (Monday 18 March)
Dr Michael Brady, Medical Director of the Terrence Higgins Trust and a sexual health and HIV Consultant at King’s College Hospital, will advise the government on how to tackle inequality in the healthcare system including:
- Improving healthcare professionals’ awareness of LGBT issues
- The implementation of sexual orientation monitoring across the NHS
- Working with statutory and professional organisations to address LGBT issues in physical and mental health services
NEW JOINT REGIONAL TEAMS ... 2 pages
NHS England and Improvement have identified most of the Directors who will work in their new Joint Regional Teams.
The changes are being made as part of the major restructure combining NHSE and regional and local offices into seven combined regional teams.
NHS England and Improvement have identified most of the Directors who will work in their new Joint Regional Teams.
The changes are being made as part of the major restructure combining NHSE and regional and local offices into seven combined regional teams.
HOSPITAL CAR PARKING CHARGES
Latest news on the Hospital (Parking Charges and Business Rates) Bill 2017-19
This Bill was expected to have its Second Reading debate on Friday, 11 May 2018. However, it was objected to and the Second Reading will now take place provisionally on Friday, 15 May 2019.
This Bill was presented to Parliament on Tuesday, 05 September 2017. This is known as the First Reading, and there was no debate on the Bill at this stage.
The Bill is a Private Member's Bill. These are often not printed until close to the Second Reading debate. If the text is not yet available here, and you wish to know more about this Bill, please contact its sponsor, Mr. Peter Bone.
Summary of the Hospital (Parking Charges and Business Rates) Bill 2017-19
A Bill to prohibit charging for car parking at NHS Hospitals for patients and visitors, to make provision for NHS Hospitals to be exempt from Business Rate, and for connected purposes.
Latest news on the Hospital (Parking Charges and Business Rates) Bill 2017-19
This Bill was expected to have its Second Reading debate on Friday, 11 May 2018. However, it was objected to and the Second Reading will now take place provisionally on Friday, 15 May 2019.
This Bill was presented to Parliament on Tuesday, 05 September 2017. This is known as the First Reading, and there was no debate on the Bill at this stage.
The Bill is a Private Member's Bill. These are often not printed until close to the Second Reading debate. If the text is not yet available here, and you wish to know more about this Bill, please contact its sponsor, Mr. Peter Bone.
Summary of the Hospital (Parking Charges and Business Rates) Bill 2017-19
A Bill to prohibit charging for car parking at NHS Hospitals for patients and visitors, to make provision for NHS Hospitals to be exempt from Business Rate, and for connected purposes.
REDUCTION OF CCG?
House of Commons - Committee of Public Accounts . ... 19 pages
A Parliamentary report looks at changes to the structure of NHS commissioning organisations.
It describes how the NHS long-term plan sets out the intention for integrated care systems to cover the whole of England by 2021, resulting in a reduction in the number of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).
House of Commons - Committee of Public Accounts . ... 19 pages
A Parliamentary report looks at changes to the structure of NHS commissioning organisations.
It describes how the NHS long-term plan sets out the intention for integrated care systems to cover the whole of England by 2021, resulting in a reduction in the number of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).
TARGETS
2018 Professor Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director , a clinical review of standards across the NHS, with the aim of determining whether patients would be well served by updating and supplementing some of the older targets currently in use.
2018 Professor Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director , a clinical review of standards across the NHS, with the aim of determining whether patients would be well served by updating and supplementing some of the older targets currently in use.
DEFIBRILLATOR UPDATE AND ACTION PLEASE ...
Please contact your MP to ask him/her to vote for the Defibrillator (Availability) Bill 2017-2019 on FRIDAY, 15 MARCH.
Download the poster here ...
Please contact your MP to ask him/her to vote for the Defibrillator (Availability) Bill 2017-2019 on FRIDAY, 15 MARCH.
Download the poster here ...
MORE LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORKFORCE
Local areas will be given much greater control over NHS workforce policy with responsibilities being devolved to local areas from national bodies, a letter to NHS Chief executives has revealed. Workforce Implementation plan Chair, Dido Harding, and National executive Lead, Julian Hartley, said in a letter [attached] sent to Chief Executives yesterday, that they would look to devolve more responsibility for workforce issues to sustainability and transformation partnerships and integrated care systems. |
PATIENT DATA ... 3 pages
Arguments for and against selling (or giving away) NHS patient data are complex and fraught. Is it exploiting confidential patient records for private profits or a public resource that, with the proper safeguards, can be used to save lives?
Arguments for and against selling (or giving away) NHS patient data are complex and fraught. Is it exploiting confidential patient records for private profits or a public resource that, with the proper safeguards, can be used to save lives?
INDEPENDENT AMBULANCE SERVICES
07 March 2019 ... 3 pages
Concerns have been raised that NHS patients are being transported by unregistered private ambulance firms because of poorly monitored sub-contracting arrangements.
07 March 2019 ... 3 pages
Concerns have been raised that NHS patients are being transported by unregistered private ambulance firms because of poorly monitored sub-contracting arrangements.
NHS PERFORMANCE TIMES
Steve McCabe Labour, Birmingham, Selly Oak
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has plans to undertake a public consultation on the proposed review of NHS performance times.
Stephen Hammond Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The clinically-led review of standards was announced by the Prime Minister in June 2018. The review is considering the appropriateness of operational standards for physical and mental health relating to planned, unplanned urgent or emergency care, as well as cancer.
The Long Term Plan provides a platform upon which innovative models of patient care can and are being developed. In that context, the National Health Service’s National Medical Director has been working with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, Healthwatch England and many others to consider what matters most to patients, on the clinical issues with the current target regime, and what NHS staff believe will help them provide the best quality care for patients.
The review will report its interim findings in the spring of 2019, after which any recommended changes will be carefully tested across the NHS and be subject to a rigorous approach before they are implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that any potential changes to NHS performance standards are based on clinical evidence, and work in the interest of patient safety. If new standards are implemented they will not diminish current performance standards.
Steve McCabe Labour, Birmingham, Selly Oak
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has plans to undertake a public consultation on the proposed review of NHS performance times.
Stephen Hammond Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The clinically-led review of standards was announced by the Prime Minister in June 2018. The review is considering the appropriateness of operational standards for physical and mental health relating to planned, unplanned urgent or emergency care, as well as cancer.
The Long Term Plan provides a platform upon which innovative models of patient care can and are being developed. In that context, the National Health Service’s National Medical Director has been working with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, Healthwatch England and many others to consider what matters most to patients, on the clinical issues with the current target regime, and what NHS staff believe will help them provide the best quality care for patients.
The review will report its interim findings in the spring of 2019, after which any recommended changes will be carefully tested across the NHS and be subject to a rigorous approach before they are implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that any potential changes to NHS performance standards are based on clinical evidence, and work in the interest of patient safety. If new standards are implemented they will not diminish current performance standards.