The week: 22 – 28 February 2013
for NHS and social care leaders

Issue: 287

On the agenda

Results of the 2012 NHS staff survey published
The results of the 2012 NHS staff survey have been published today. A total of 202,000 NHS staff were invited to participate by postal questionnaire. Responses were received from 101,000 staff, a response rate of 50 percent (compared to 53.7 percent in 2010).

For further information go to: http: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2013/02/staff-survey-2012/

Building a culture of compassionate care – the Friends and Family Test
Seeking and acting on patient feedback is key to improving the quality of healthcare services and putting patients at the centre of everything we do. From 1 April 2013, all patients in acute inpatient hospital wards and A&E departments across the country must be offered the opportunity to complete a Friends and Family Test (FFT). The test supports the 6Cs of ‘Compassionate Care’ – the three-year vision and strategy for nursing, midwifery and care staff.

For more information, go to: http://cno.dh.gov.uk/2013/02/27/building-a-culture-of-compassionate-care-the-friends-and-family-test-2/

Financial sustainability of local authorities: report published
In a report examining central government’s approach to local authority (LA) funding, the National Audit Office has highlighted the increasing difficulties LAs face in absorbing reductions in central government funding without reducing services. The spending watchdog recommends the Department for Communities and Local Government work with other government departments to improve evaluation of the impact of decisions on LA finances and services.

For further information, go to:
http://www.nao.org.uk/publications/press_notice_home/1213/1213888.aspx
Policy news
No news this week

Consultations and evaluations
1. Nominations for HPMA awards 2013 – partnership working 

Publications
2. Payment by results (PbR): confirmation of arrangements for 2013-14 
3. The 15 steps challenge – new toolkits released 
4. Delivering the national maternal, newborn and infant clinical outcome review programme 
5. Child sexual exploitation - warning signs for health professionals
Conferences and events

i. what’s new
6. NHS sustainable development day 
7. Webinar: how to be an effective change agent  

ii. places still available
No news this week

Patient safety alerts
Refer to website below

Extra notes
Chief executives are reminded that all communications requiring the attention of NHS and local authority management must include a Gateway reference number. In order to streamline the number of communications issued by the Department, these will continue to be summarised in ‘the week’ every Thursday.

Policy news
No news this week.

Consultations and evaluations

1. Nominations for HPMA awards 2013 – partnership working 
(Gateway reference number: 18797)
The Social Partnership Forum is inviting organisations to make nominations for the Healthcare People Management Association (HPMA) awards for initiatives demonstrating effective partnerships between employers, trade unions and other stakeholders. Entry details and information on other categories are on the HPMA website.   

Link: http://www.hpmaawards.org.uk/
Action: NHS chief executives will wish to note the closing date for nominations is 29 March 2013.  

Publications

2. Payment by results (PbR): confirmation of arrangements for 2013-14  
(Gateway reference number: 18768)
Using the link below you will be able to access information and guidance in support of payment by results in 2013-14. The guidance published in December has been clarified  in response to feedback received. 

Link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2013/02/2013-14-pbr/
Action: NHS chief executives will wish to review the guidance and discuss with relevant leads.

3. The 15 steps challenge – new toolkits released
(Gateway reference number: 18798)
The NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement (NHSII) has released two new toolkits for the 15 steps challenge. The series includes toolkits for clinic and outpatient settings and children and young people’s inpatient services.   The challenge encourages patients and staff to work together to identify improvements to improve patient experience and increase confidence.

Link: www.institute.nhs.uk/productives/15StepsChallenge
Action: NHS chief executives and their colleagues can download the new toolkits and share with their teams and patient experience representatives.

4. Delivering the national maternal, newborn and infant clinical outcome review programme
(Gateway reference number: 18799/ ROCR/OR/2187/001MAND)
MBRRACE-UK has been commissioned to deliver the national maternal, newborn and infant clinical outcome review programme. Participation is mandatory and a requirement for quality accounts. Data collection of eligible deaths from 1 January 2013 will commence in early March. 

Link: https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/mbrrace-uk
Action: NHS chief executives will wish to ensure relevant maternity and neonatal staff are registered with MBRRACE-UK.

5. Child sexual exploitation - warning signs for health professionals
(Gateway reference number: 18431)
The Office of the Children's Commissioner’s report on child sexual exploitation in gangs and groups (November 2012) includes a ‘warning signs and vulnerabilities’ checklist of behaviour seen in children at risk, or who are already being sexually exploited. Professionals working with children should recognise these signs and take appropriate action.
Link:http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/force_download.php?fp=%2Fclient_assets%2Fcp%2Fadditional_promo%2F46%2F1_-_CSEGG_Inquiry_Interim_Report_-_November_2012.pdf
Action: NHS, local authority chief executives and directors of children’s services will wish to review the report, particularly the checklist at Appendix A and discuss with relevant staff. 

Conferences and events

i. what’s new

6. NHS sustainable development day 
(Gateway reference number: 18801)
The National Social Partnership Forum supports NHS Sustainability Day on 28 March 2013 and encourages partnership forums across the NHS to get involved.  

Link: http://www.nhssustainabilityday.co.uk/
Action: NHS chief executives will wish consider local activities in support of Sustainability Day.

7. Webinar: how to be an effective change agent 
(Gateway reference number: 18802)
This webinar, taking place on 11 March 2013, 4.00 - 5.15pm will be hosted by Helen Bevan, Chief of Service Transformation at the NHS Institute. She will discuss tactics to survive and thrive as a change agent and increase effectiveness in leading change in difficult times. Helen is running this free webinar as part of her pledge for NHS Change Day to sign up at least 50 other people to take action.  

Link: https://nhs.webex.com/nhs/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=844123111 
Action: NHS chief executives and colleagues can register for the free web seminar at the link above. 

ii. places still available
No news this week

Patient safety alerts
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has sent the NHS the latest medical device alerts in the link below. NHS Trusts are expected to take the specified action by the date given.

Link: www.mhra.gov.uk/Publications/Safetywarnings/MedicalDeviceAlerts/index.htm

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General comments
If you would like to comment on 'the week', please email theweek@dh.gsi.gov.uk or write to NHS Staff Comms Team, Department of Health, Room 444, Richmond House, 79 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2NS.

Unless otherwise stated, guidance referred to in the bulletin has not been commissioned or endorsed by the Department of Health – it is evidence that organisations and professionals may find helpful in improving practice. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is the Department's provider of accredited evidence and guidance, which can be found on the Institute's website at www.nice.org.uk  

Sir David Nicholson's role as NHS Chief Executive transfers completely to the NHS Commissioning Board in April 2013. Sir David would still like to communicate with you in his new role and we are therefore asking if you are happy for your email address to be shared with the NHS Commissioning Board. If you do not want your email address shared, please email the theweek@dh.gsi.gov.uk