Editorial
Last week I ‘binned’ my prepared editorial in view of the
news of the conviction of the men who murdered Baby P.
In the past week newspapers, TV and radio have been full
of more of the details and more of the apparent conduct of
Haringey council officers, regulators, the police and others.
It is truly shocking that such apology as has been
forthcoming from Haringey has seemingly been dragged
from the council. It’s officers had haughtily asserted that in
their investigation into Baby P’s death they had found
some good practice.
There will be a number of long-running investigations and
enquires.
There will probably be referrals of individuals to bodies
such as the General Council of Social Care whose duty it is
to monitor the conduct of social workers and has power to
strike them off the register and prevent them practicing.
However, I wonder whether and how many individuals are
truly culpable, beyond the three convicted for the death of
Baby P.
My colleagues and I have a great deal of contact with
council strategy meetings, mostly, though not exclusively
concerning adults. These meetings are infrequently well
organised and are poorly resourced, often without a
properly trained minute-taker – essential if one is to
properly record events and matters agreed upon.
Government asks much of those connected with the
provision of social and health care, rightly so. However, if
it wants a top class, world leading service it will have to be
properly funded.
I fear that a theme running through this and other, yet to be
realised, future tragedies will be the cutting of corners,
containment of cost and managing budgets upon which the
demand is overwhelming.
I fear Lord Laming’s review of services across the country
will reveal a lamentable level of service held together largely
on the goodwill and professionalism of those at frontline.
I hope I am mistaken.
Parliament
17.11.08 – HoC – Oral questions of the Sec of State
for Children, Schools and Families. Much
questioning about Baby P and Haringey, Minister did
not stick with convention of keeping replies to 1 min;
therefore the Speaker of the House regarded some
answers as ‘statements’ and will call him back to be
questioned further by MPs.
Next
Abuse
1. In full: Haringey Council apology
18 November 2008 – BBC News
Council George Meehan, the leader of Haringey Council,
has formally apologised for the death of Baby P at a
cabinet meeting in the borough.
For full statement click here
2. Case worker wanted Baby P in care
17 November 2008 – BBC News
Panorama has learned that a senior social worker
and police did not want Baby P returned to the home
where he later died from severe abuse.
Its investigation found that social worker Sylvia
Henry wanted him to go into foster care after he was
taken to a north London hospital in 2006 with nonaccidental
injuries. But her bosses decided Baby P
should be looked after by family or friends.
For full report click here
3. Councillors meet over Baby P case
16 November 2008 – BBC News
Labour Party councillors in Haringey have held a
closed doors emergency meeting over the death of
Baby P.
Two men and Baby P's mother have been convicted
of involvement in his death and will be sentenced on
15 December.
For full report click here
4. Revealed: sister of Baby P ‘was also
abused’
16 November 2008—The Sunday Times
Front page additional information about the ‘family’
and its encounters with Haringey Social Services.
5. This wel-feral state abandoned Baby P
16 November 2008 The Sunday Times
Dominic Lawson wrote about the approach of ‘the
authorities’ to the latest scandal; the Dept for Children,
Schools and Families said “proper procedures
were followed”; he pointed out that Lord Laming reported
the response of Haringey’s social services to
his investigations into the death of Victoria Climbie
“Too often they attempted to justify their position in
terms of bureaucratic activity rather than in terms of
outcomes for children.” He traces the tragic reports
into the deaths as long ago as Maria Colwell in 1973
6. How many more Baby Ps are there?
16 November 2008—The Sunday Times
Full page listing the ‘missed chances’, opportunities
to have saved Baby P from his fate. And reporting
the actions of the whistle blowing social worker’s lawyer
in trying to engage the authorities in the apparent
failings in Haringey’s children’s services. It also reports
on the environment in which Baby P lived and
the ‘family’ structure. Lastly, the article considers the
report produced for Haringey by Fergus Smith.
7. Whistleblower: Council falsely accused me
of abusing child. I feared I’d lose my daughter
16 November 2008—The Mail on Sunday
Interview over three pages with the social worker who
raised the alarm in relation to Haringey’s dire treatment
of children at risk a full six months before Baby
P’s death, and how the council tried to destroy her
life.
Ed. If the report is accurate and provable, managers
in the children’s services of Haringey should
hang their heads in shame and consideration
should be given to prosecutions and reports to
the General Social Care Council – based on the
report, some are not fit to be in post.
8. What I saw left me a victim of violence, unable
to sleep at night
16 November 2008—The Guardian
A senior paediatrician who has specialised in child
protection for 30 years described the difficulties faced
by professionals.
When I started working in child protection in the early
Seventies, a seven-year-old girl called Maria Colwell
was beaten to death by her stepfather, despite a series
of warnings to social services. An inquiry found
that there had been a breakdown of communication
between the agencies involved and a lack of training
for the social workers. Almost 30 years later, Victoria
Climbié died under similar circumstances. Now we
have seen it again.
9. The Hardest Question
15 Nov 2008 The Times
Heart-rending individual cases should not blind society
to the full implications of choosing to end life –
comment on the Hannah Jones case in which a 13 yr
old refused a heart transplant.
10. Council was cleared just before he died
15 Nov 2008 The Times
CSCI visited Haringey on 12.03.07 as a result of a
whistleblower’s warning that statutory procedures
were not being followed. Haringey was given the ‘all
clear’.
11. On the other side of the tracks, a dark
world of careless morality
15 Nov 2008 The Times
A three-star report – and a tortured child
Jeremy Lawrence reports on findings concerning
why Haringey social services was lauded by inspectors
despite the killing of Baby P and a whistleblower's
claim that sex abusers were not being tackled.
12. Haringey: The regulator’s verdict
"Child protection work is generally of a satisfactory
standard: most performance indicators are now in
line with those in comparator authorities. This reflects
good and sustained improvements in practice
and management since 2001 when practice was
poor... Staff are well managed and supported to
carry out their roles... general and specialist child
protection training for all relevant staff, including voluntary
partners, is very good."
13. Ofsted report (Joint Area Review), October
2006, three years after Victoria Climbié
inquiry and one month before abuse of Baby
P began.
"The number of children on the child protection register
continues to decrease and is now in line with statistical
neighbours. Thorough quality assurance systems
are in place ... all children on the child protection
register have an allocated social worker and all
reviews are held to timescale. The Local Safeguarding
Children Board continues to demonstrate good
ownership of the broader safeguarding agenda."
14. Baby P before the scars of abuse
15 Nov 2008 Daily Mail
Two pages of analysis and comment together with a
tracking of events from the initial whistle-blowing via
the courts and a CSCI & Ofsted inspection
15. Child abuse 'missed' by register
15 November 2008 – BBC News
Figures obtained by the Guardian newspaper shows
that over 80% of children killed or seriously hurt
through neglect or abuse were not on England's child
protection registers.
Only 33 of the 189 children whose death or injury in
2005 to 2007 led to a review were on the registers,
according to figures obtained by the Guardian.
For full report click here
16. PM rejects Baby P 'buck-passing'
14 November 2008 – BBC News
The Prime Minister has responded to allegations by the
Tory party of “buck-passing” in the Baby P case. He
rejected the allegations and said that the correct procedures
had been followed.
For full report click here
17. Haringey ‘ignored abuse warning before
Baby P died’
14 November 2008—The Times
Article about the efforts made by social worker,
Nevres Kamal, and her solicitor, Lawrence Davies, to
alert the authorities, including the then Secretary of
State for Health, Patricia Hewitt, to concerns that Haringey
was not properly dealing with cases of suspected
child abuse.
18. Britain in shock over abuse death of toddler
14 November 2008—Associated Press
The toddler had been visited 60 times by social workers.
A doctor examined him but missed the fact he
had a broken back and eight fractured ribs. His
mother managed to explain away his constant
bruises time and time again.
19. ‘He blocked the door and pulled a knife’
‘Being constantly suspicious is part of the
territory’
The lessons that need to be learned
13 November 2008—The Times
Two pages of the lives of social workers and the challenges
that they face on the front line.
20. Investigation into brutal death of Baby P
increases the pressure on council chiefs
13 November 2008—The Times
Item about the Prime Minister becoming drawn into
the row over the death of Baby P; ministers have ordered
HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, Ofsted and
the Healthcare Commission to investigate Haringey
and report in two weeks, by 01.12.08, to Ed Balls.
The director of children’s services in Hampshire, John
Coughlan, took control of the work of children’s services
in Haringey undermining the authority of Sharon
Shoesmith, head of the service. She steadfastly
failed to issue an apology for the death of the child.
21. 'Accountability' pledge on Baby P
13 November 2008 – BBC News
The Children’s Minister, Ed Balls, has said that staff will
be held accountable if a report finds failures in the case
of Baby P.
An initial investigation found evidence of "poor quality
practice, management and supervision of staff" in Haringey,
north London.
For full report click here
22. Baby P council is 'truly sorry'
13 November 2008 – BBC News
Haringey Council has said it is "truly sorry" for not doing
more to protect 17-month-old Baby P. Baby P died
after suffering horrific abuse.
The apology came as the north London council promised
its own review - the fourth separate inquiry into
Haringey Council has said it is "truly sorry" for not doing
more to protect 17-month-old Baby P. Baby P died
after suffering horrific abuse.
The apology came as the north London council promised
its own review - the fourth separate inquiry into
Baby P's death.
For full report click here
23. Tragic life of Baby P raises old questions
12 November 2008 - The Times
Front page item – Lord Laming who chaired the inquiry
into the death of Victoria Climbié has been mobilised
to review social work practice across the
country to check whether they are following the practice
he recommended
24. After 17 months of unimaginable cruelty,
Baby P finally succumbed
12 November 2008 - The Times
Ministers threaten inquiry as Haringey
closes ranks
12 November 2008 - The Times
Why well-meaning social workers must be
sceptical
Two full pages covering the behaviour which led the
conviction of two men for causing or allowing the
death of a child, Baby P. The articles recount some
of the missed opportunities to prevent the continuing
abuse.
25. Baby P staff ‘must own up and pay price
for tragedy’
12 November 2008 - Evening Standard
Item about the murder and particularly at six individuals
who had an involvement in the care process
meant to protect Baby P.
26. We’ve had a raft of excuses and no apology
12 November 2008 - Evening Standard
David Cameron MP, Leader of the Opposition, calling
for the deployment of common sense when suspicious
of child abuse.
27. Review ordered after abuse death
12 November 2008 - BBC News
The death of a 17-month-old boy after
months of abuse, despite him being on an at
risk register, has sparked a review of child
protection in England.
It comes as two men were found guilty of causing his
death in August 2007.
Haringey said that it had found "numerous examples"
of good practice in the case although there had been
"weaknesses" in information flow.
Sharon Shoesmith, chair of the board, said: "The very
sad fact is that we can't stop people who are determined
to kill children."
For full report click here
Ed. After what has come out into the public domain
over the past week Haringey’s handling of
its position and reputation has been abysmal and
the continuation of Ms Shoesmith in role of head
of children’s services must be in doubt.
28. We can’t be surprised by the death of
Baby P
12 November 2008 - The Times
Theodore Dalrymple opines that in a country that cant
properly organise rubbish collections it is hardly surprising
that the complexities of child protection demonstrate
everyday incompetence. The author also
predicts the outcome of the inevitable inquiry.
29. 'Safety net' failed tortured baby
11 November 2008 – BBC News
A short life of misery and pain
11 November 2008 – BBC News
Tricky balance for social services
11 November 2008 – BBC News
A child protection review has been sparked after the
death of a 17-month-old boy after months of abuse.
Two men were found guilty of causing his death in
August 2007 and took place in Haringey, north London.
The boy suffered 50 injuries, and the case has revealed
a series of failings by social workers, health
workers and police and is described as worse than
that of Victoria Climbie, who was murdered in Haringey
in 2000.
For 1st report click here
For 2nd report click here
For 3rd report click here
For 4th report click here
30. 'No child murders' in Jersey home
12 November 2008 – BBC News
No murders at Jersey home, says police
chief
12 November 2008—Evening Standard
Police doubt that any of the articles they have examined
point to evidence of abuse or murder at Haut de
la Garenne.
For BBC report click here
31. Sir Michael Parkinson and Phil Hope
launch first dignity in care award
10 November 2008
The first ever award which recognises people who
treat patients with dignity and respect and who provide
outstanding care was launched by Sir Michael
Parkinson and Care Services Minister Phil Hope.
The People's Award for Dignity in Care is open to
everyone. Anyone can nominate individuals or teams
who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to
improve patient dignity in care.
Nominations for the Dignity Awards open soon and
close 6 March 2009. To register interest, go to http://
www.healthandsocialcareawards.org.uk and click on
'Register your Interest'. You will be sent details of
how to make a nomination.
The criteria are for a person or a team who are focussed
on the person, by providing simple, clear and
accessible information about services; provide a better
service by striving to deliver a service that's personal;
and show dignity and respect by supporting
people to express their needs and wants.
Business News
Nothing to report
Care Homes
32. SWANTON OPEN NEW FACILITY
"Bringing Much Needed Service to Cambridgeshire"
13 November 2008
Swanton Care & Community which provides for people
with complex needs, last week formally opened
its new purpose-built-and-designed rehabilitation service
Eden View, located in Bottisham, Cambridgeshire,
for people aged 18-65 with an Acquired Brain
Injury (ABI) or complex neurological condition.
33. £6,000 care home funding gap exposed
by Age Concern
13 November 2008 – NCF
Care home concern
12 November 2008 - The Times
Elderly people in care homes will be the first to suffer
from new rules to restrict jobs for workers from outside
Europe according to Martin Green, the head of
the English Community Care Association, who said
homes were likely to close and fees would rise as a
result of a new list of jobs available to non-EU workers.
For full report click here
34. Care home safety in spotlight at HSE
event in North Wales
10 November 2008
Safety at care homes in Wales is the subject of a free
event launched by the Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) in North Wales.
Care home owners and managers from across North
Wales will attend the Safety and Health Awareness
Day in Ruthin Castle, the first of four seminars being
held during November and December.
The events follow a series of inspections on care
homes across Wales carried out by HSE earlier this
year. A total of 28 homes were visited and inspectors
issued 31 improvements notices. Reported in BHCR
V.
HSE Principal inspector Steve Scott said: "Care
homes are responsible for some of the most vulnerable
people but our inspection programme last spring
revealed a number of risks that some, though not all
care homes were not adequately dealing with.
"Fortunately, where we identified a problem the owners
and managers of the care homes were very keen
to take our advice and put these matters right. However,
we consider seminars like these to be an important
opportunity to remind people of the risks that can
be present and to offer advice on the best way to
manage those risks."
The seminars will cover a range of topics including:
management and administration of medicines; electric
profiling beds; management of bed rails; management
of asbestos and legionella; food safety management;
slips and trips and stress.
Further seminars are being held in Cardiff (18 November),
Carmarthenshire (3 December) and Aberystwyth
(4 December).
Care home owners or managers who cannot attend a
seminar but need advice from HSE can contact the
HSE Infoline free of charge on 0845 345 0055.
Case Reports
Law Reports
Nothing to report
Disciplinary cases
Nothing to report
Cases in the news
35. Coma patient’s horror at sex attack
15 November 2008 - Daily Mail
A 31 yr old has been told she was the victim of a sex
attack after the perpetrator allegedly filmed the attack
on his mobile ‘phone.
36. Care home boss fights conviction
13 November 2008 – BBC News
Daniel Purgaus, a care home owner from Bristol, has
been released from prison pending an appeal against
his conviction for assaulting an elderly resident.
He was convicted of attacking Ronald Thomas, 80, at
Overnhill House in Downend in January.
For full report click here
37. Family fury at not being told about care
home 'assault’
12 November 2008 – Liverpool Echo
The family of William Perry have expressed their fury
at not being told about the care home assault by two
care home staff.
The two men were suspended from duty for allegedly
ill-treating an 86-year-old resident at a Rowan Garth
nursing home in Liverpool.
For full report go to http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpoolnews/
local-news/2008/11/12/family-fury-at-not-being-toldabout-
care-home-assault-100252-22238406/
38. HSE sends out clear warning after death
of care home resident
12 November 2008
The HSE warned the care industry to ensure it identifies
the risks in their workplaces and manage them,
following the death of a 56-year-old man at a residential
care home in St Albans.
MacIntyre Care, head office based in central Milton
Keynes, was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay full
costs of £2,476, at St Albans Magistrates' Court after
pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health
and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
On 26 February 2007, a resident of MacIntyre Care
home on Crosby Close in St Albans, fell whilst being
hoisted from a chair to his bed. It was necessary to
use the hoist as the resident had profound physical
disabilities. As a result of the fall the resident suffered
fractures to one of his hip bones and his elbow -
and later died of sepsis, with the coroner highlighting
the fall as a contributing factor to his death. An inadequately
trained employee was entrusted to hoist
the resident and failed to attach the sling properly to
the hoist.
HSE Inspector, Rubeena Surnam said:
"This was an avoidable accident. I hope it demonstrates
to care home employers that they need to
take positive steps to identify the risks in their workplaces
and manage them.
"Employers must be sure they adopt safe systems of
work and care staff are trained in the use of equipment
such as hoists and aware of the potential risks
involved."
Ed. Section 3(1) of the Health and safety at work
etc Act 1974 states: "It shall be the duty of every
employer to conduct his undertaking in such a
way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable,
that persons not in his employment who
may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed
to risks to their health or safety."
39. Outrage as thieves steal heating oil from
care home for the elderly
10 November 2008 – North Wales Chronicle
Callous thieves stole heating oil from Ty Gwyn care
home in Gwalchmai which could have left residents
freezing to death. The 22 residents, many of who suffer
with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, were awakened
on Saturday morning to near freezing temperatures.
For full report go to http://www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk/
news/BREAKING-NEWS--Outrage-as.4664997.jp
Children
40. Children’s contact details stolen
15 November 2008 - The Times
Another laptop goes missing; this time in Surrey containing
personal data of 7,800 children who use
school transport.
41. Girl wins fight to turn down transplant
11 November 2008 - The Times
Hannah Jones, 13, had been embroiled in litigation
persuaded medics to withdraw High Court proceedings
forcing her to undergo a risky heart transplant
after speaking to a member of the child protection
team. It is thought that the process has been ongoing
since the beginning of the year.
Conferences & Courses
To follow next week
Consultations
42. Have you booked your place at our next
forum event?
15 October 2008 – SCRC
The Scottish Care Commission still has places left at
their next consultation event which is taking place on
Thursday 27 November in Stornoway at the Cabarfeidh
Hotel.
For full report click here
43. Consultation on a Regime for Unsustainable
NHS Providers
Closing Date: 3 December 2008
Following publication of 'Developing an NHS Performance
Regime' in 06.08, the DoH has announced
proposals detailing the steps that would be taken if
an organisation failed, either for clinical or organisational
reasons.
The regime aims to:
* underpin the NHS performance regime;
* ensure the public receive high-quality services by
supporting quality regulation;
* reinforce the NHS Foundation Trust regime; and
* protect patients and staff from failing services.
The 'Consultation on a Regime for Unsustainable
NHS Providers' picks up at the point where an organisation
has failed to turn its performance
around. The regime is the last step for providers
who are subject to previous recovery actions by
Monitor or the NHS performance regime. It proposes
that a 'Trust Special Administrator' would be appointed
to take control of the Trust to ensure that it
continues to provide safe and effective services for
patients. They would also be required to produce a
report and consult swiftly on proposals for the future
of the trust.
For full consultation click here
44. Consultation on the European Commission's
proposals for a Directive on the application
of patients' rights in cross-border
healthcare
Closing Date 3 December 2008
On 2 July 2008 the European Commission published
a draft Directive on the application of patients’ rights
in cross-border healthcare. This draft Directive is
looking to clarify and codify existing European Court
of Justice case law on when a patients can exercise
their freedom to obtain health services to which they
are entitled to in the UK, in another European Union
Member State.
For full consultation click here
45. Consultation on public, patients', and
other interested parties' views on additional
uses of patient data
Closing Date: 12 December 2008
NHS Connecting for Health is gathering people’s
views to help it make important decisions about the
ways the NHS can use information it collects about
patients.
Patient data is mainly used to provide care and treatment
but can also have additional uses such as research,
auditing the quality and safety of care, management
planning, etc. This consultation is focusing
on additional uses.
For full report click here
46. Consultation on Minimum Frequency of
Inspection for certain Care Services provided
by The Care Commission
Closing Date: 31 December 2008
The Scottish Government wants responses to a consultation
on proposals to Reduce the Minimum Frequency
of Inspections of Certain Care Services by the
Care Commission from 1 April 2009.
For full consultation click here
47. Consultation on a National Framework
For Assessing Children and young people's
Continuing care
Closing Date: 31 December 2008
A consultation on proposals for a National Framework
for assessing children and young people’s continuing
care. The Framework intendeds to assist Primary
Care Trusts to apply a consistent and transparent
approach to assessing the healthcare needs of children
and young people and to work jointly with local
authorities to provide services in the light of those
needs.
For full consultation click here
48. Government consults on safeguarding
vulnerable adults
Closing date: 31 January 2009
Care Services Minister Phil Hope launched a consultation
on how to improve safeguarding policy - the
protection of vulnerable adults - and address abuse in
all its forms in the care system.
The 'No Secrets' guidance for local authorities, the
police and the NHS to work together to protect adults
is already in place. The Government now wants to
make sure it keeps up with changes in the social
care system, with the new emphasis on choice and
control and changing forms of abuse.
Key issues on which Government is seeking views
are:
* Whether there is now a need for legislation,
* The feasibility of a national database of recommendations
from serious case reviews where abuse has
occurred
* What new measures are needed in the face of increased
'personalisation' of care with more people
now being in charge of their own care instead of local
authorities
* What new measures are needed in the face of
changing forms of abuse, such as financial abuse
Phil Hope said:
"I am determined to improve safeguarding of vulnerable
people. We need a greater focus on prevention,
a greater emphasis on safeguarding in commissioning
services and support, and greater empowerment
of people to determine how they wish to be safeguarded.
The No Secrets guidance must be updated
to make sure everyone - individuals, police, care
agencies, the NHS and local authorities prevent
abuse, and also recognise it and stamp it out if it
does occur.
"The consultation is particularly relevant as more
people gain control of their own care. I want to help
people maintain this control and independence, free
from fear of abuse. I look forward to hearing people's
views and will not hesitate to take tough action to
improve safeguarding for those in vulnerable situations."
The consultation on the review of No Secrets will run
from 14th October to 31st January 2009.
The consultation can be found on the Department of
Health website at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/
Socialcarereform/Safeguardinganddealingwithabuse/
index.htm
49. Consultation on final dates for social service
workers to register with the SSSC
Closing Date: 31 December 2008
A consultation paper has now been issued for the
Introduction of final dates for prescribed descriptions
of social service workers to achieve registration with
the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
For consultation click here
50. Reviewing the Mental Capacity Act 2005:
Forms, supervision and fees – Consultation
Closing Date: 15 January 2009
Consultation seeking views on proposed changes to
three areas of the work of the Office of the Public
Guardian and the Court of Protection following the
implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in
October 2007.
It aims to cover a redesign of the lasting power of
attorney forms, the restructuring of the supervision of
deputies by the public guardian and alterations to fee
structures.
For consultation go to http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/
reviewing-mental-capacity-act.htm
51. Care Quality Commission unveils first
two initiatives aims at improving quality and
safety of services
Closing Date: 16 January 2009
The Care Quality Commission has published two
documents which set out how it aims to:
• drive further improvements in how the NHS
deals with healthcare associated infections,
such as MRSA
• use its new enforcement powers to improve
the quality and safety of health and
adult social care services for the people
who use them
The CQC is launching a 12-week consultation with a
wide variety of stakeholders on how it intends to use
its new enforcement powers, together with publishing
guidance to NHS trusts about additional requirements
for registering with the new Commission in relation to
healthcare associated infection (HCAI).
For full consultation go to http://www.cqc.org.uk/news/
hcai_and_enforcement_policy.aspx
52. Consultation: Draft guidance on NHS patients
who wish to pay for additional private
care
Closing Date: 27 January 2009
A consultation seeking views on draft guidance on
how to proceed in situations where NHS patients
want to buy additional secondary care services that
the NHS does not fund.
For full consultation click here
53. Consultation on GP Quality Incentive
Scheme launched
Closing Date: 2 February 2009
Delivering the best possible care for patients and
addressing health inequalities will be at the heart of
proposed changes to the GP quality incentive
scheme, the Quality and Outcomes Framework
(QOF), Health Minister Ben Bradshaw announced
today.
The QOF rewards GP practices for managing some
of the most common chronic diseases such as diabetes
or heart failure; improving health; organising
practices well; how patients view their experience at
the surgery and the quality of extra services offered
such as child health and maternity services.
Under new proposals set out in a public consultation
published today, the National Institute for Health and
Clinical Excellence (NICE) would in future oversee
the annual process of reviewing clinical indicators.
From April 2009, NICE would review the benefits
to patients and the cost effectiveness of the indicators
used to assess the quality of care provided by
GP practices. NICE would be responsible for developing
a more transparent and inclusive review process
with input from patients and carers, primary care
professionals and other stakeholders.
The final choice of QOF indicators would remain a
matter for negotiation with the British Medical Association
(BMA), based on the advice produced by
NICE.
The 12-week consultation is seeking views on how
the new process for assessing evidence for QOF
indicators should work. The key elements that will be
considered in the consultation will be how best to:
* Review existing QOF indicators and develop new
indicators for clinical quality and health outcomes,
based on evidence of clinical effectiveness;
* Allow a range of stakeholders, including patients,
carers and clinicians to identify potential QOF priorities;
* Set up a panel of independent experts that will prioritise
areas for developing new indicators;
* Pilot new indicators with GP practices; and
* Give flexibility to the local NHS to select some indicators
to reflect local health needs.
Health Minister Ben Bradshaw said:
"We have come a long way in addressing health inequalities
thanks to the current GP scheme for quality
incentives and the UK leads the world in providing
incentives to GPs to improve quality of care for patients.
"The latest figures for the Quality and Outcomes
Framework show that practices have continued to
deliver improvements in services for patients. But we
want to ensure that GP practices continue to deliver
more improvements to patient care, and the system
needs to evolve to support practices in achieving
even better outcomes for patients.
"Asking NICE to manage a more independent, open
and transparent process for reviewing QOF indicators
will make sure that we make the best use of our annual
investment in the scheme and continue to support
GPs in delivering the best care possible for patients,
allowing the QOF to adapt and respond to the
latest medical advances."
A full explanation of how the current scheme operates
and details of how to become involved in the consultation
can be downloaded from: http://www.dh.gov.uk/
en/Consultations/index.htm
Ed. Future issues of BHCR will have this consultation
referred to under ‘CONSULTATIONS’ only.
54. Department of Health: Developing the
quality and outcomes framework - Proposals
for a new, independent process
Closing Date: 2 February 2008
Consultation seeking views on proposals for a new
independent and transparent process for recommending
quality outcome framework indicators.
For full consultation click here
55. DH: End of Life Care Strategy: Quality
Markers Consultation
Closing Date: 6 February 2009
The DoH has launched a consultation on Quality
Markers for End of Life Care which was promised in
the End of Life Care Strategy published in July.
The document is aimed at commissioners, performance
managers and providers of end of life care services,
from the NHS, voluntary and independent sectors.
For full report click here
56. NICE: Current consultations
To browse through consultations go to http://www.nice.org.uk/
page.aspx?o=consultations.current
CSCI/Care Quality Commission
(w.e.f. 2009), CSSIW,
Healthcare Commission &
Scottish Care Commission
57. RNHA accuses CSCI of ’mixed messages’
14 November 2008 – NCF
A report by the Registered Nursing Home Association
has revealed that the outcome of its recent review of
eligibility criteria for social care has been dubbed ‘a
mish-mash of mixed messages’.
The regulator represents around 1,200 nursing homes
across the UK and says that the Commission for Social
Care Inspection (CSCI) has failed to map out a clear
vision for the way in which people’s entitlement to public
funding towards their care costs is determined.
For full report click here
58. Review of safeguarding of children in Haringey
13 November 2008 – Healthcare Commission
The Healthcare Commission is working with Ofsted and
the Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary to undertake
a requested urgent review of safeguarding of
children in Haringey.
A specialist inspector from the Commission will be assessing
whether local healthcare services are fulfilling
their obligations to safeguard and promote the welfare
of children.
For full report go to http://www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/
newsandevents/mediacentre/pressreleases.cfm?
cit_id=1486&FAArea1=customWidgets.content_view_1&usecach
e=false
59. Healthcare Commission longed for government's
embrace
12 November 2008 – HSJ
Healthcare Commission chair, Sir Ian Kennedy, has
sent a frank message to staff revealing how the Government
failed to embrace the regulatory body and left it
"handicapped".
Sir Ian's article was published in an internal newsletter
and is a candid reflection on the commission's achievements
and failures as it prepares to make way for the
Care Quality Commission next April, as well as providing
an insight into the regulator's relationship with the
government.
For full report go to http://www.hsj.co.uk/news/2008/11/
government_
treated_regulator_as_part_of_the_problem__sir_ian_kenne
dy.html;jsessionid=2D3AB5A06E3D399F0AD408B5B301F237?
tmcsTrackingInfo=$FcLLePElFeSaZI2MAKqESIN6vNwBdg2yObI_
dtvnJKUflajmDS8pxGyMDw51EjrSm9cf2SXNyt
$
60. HandsOnScotland Toolkit
10 November 2008 – SCRC
The HandsOnScotland Toolkit is an online resource for
anybody working with children and young people and it
provides practical information and techniques on how to
respond helpfully to children and young people's troubling
behaviour, build up their self-esteem and promote
their positive mental well-being.
Further information can be found at http://
www.handsonscotland.co.uk/
Dementia
61. Newly designed dementia unit open
14 November 2008 – BBC News
A newly designed dementia centre, the first of its kind in
the UK, has been opened in Sheffield.
Health chiefs said the £1.1m renovation of the unit could
create a blueprint for similar developments across the
country. New features at the Grenoside Grange unit
include 24 en-suite bedrooms and a calming colour
scheme.
For full report click here
Ireland, Scotland & Wales
Ireland
Nothing to report
Scotland
62. New targets for healthcare
14 November 2008 – Scottish Government
New waiting time targets for drug treatment and access
to child and adolescent mental health services are to be
introduced for the first time in Scotland.
The new targets include:
• Maximum wait from decision to treat to first treatment
for all cancer patients of 31 days
• Inequalities targeted cardiovascular health checks
• Reducing energy consumption
• Faster access to treatment for drug misusers
• Faster access to child and adolescent mental health
services
• Reducing the rate of C.diff infections in hospitals by
at least 30 per cent by 2011
• 12 week maximum waits for outpatient appointments
and inpatient / day case treatment
For full report click here
63. Patients unaffected by NHS 'cuts'
13 November 2008 – BBC News
NHS Forth Valley bosses have denied that proposed
efficiency savings demanded by the Scottish Government
will impact on patient care.
NHS Forth Valley said the savings would be made
through property sales and schemes to reduce transport
costs and restructuring.
For full report click here
64. Scottish hospitals to face surprise hygiene
inspections
11 November 2008 – HSJ
Health Secretary, Nicola Sturgeon has declared that all
hospitals in Scotland will face unannounced inspections
to check they are clean and preventing the spread of
infection.
The measure is being introduced as part of a consultation
on infection control.
Proposals include establishing a care environment inspectorate,
which will make unannounced visits to hospitals
and will provide a national overview for ministers
and parliament and each hospital board will be given
reports and be expected to publish an improvement
plan based on the inspectorate's visits.
Ms Sturgeon also announced that all new Scottish hospitals
must provide single rooms for every patient.
For full report go to http://www.hsj.co.uk/news/2008/11/
scottish_
boards_to_face_surprise_inspections_in_superbug_crackd
own.html?
tmcsTrackingInfo=$
RbXJv7qWM_APwGeF6SZnFR3oqpd34jZIyObI_dtvnJ3l
OS1F9vdujCGyMDw51EjrDGoQoWzek24$
65. NHS Car Parks Rake In GBP1m . . . But
Fees Are GBP4000 Short Of Covering The
Costs
11 November 2008 – Evening Times
An investigation by the Evening Times shows that patients,
visitors and health workers have had to pay
nearly £1million to park at Glasgow's hospitals since
charges were introduced last year. However, figures
released under freedom of information laws show that
despite the massive amount earned by the controversial
charges, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is still operating
its car parks at a loss of £4464.
For full report go to http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/
display.var.2467216.0.0.php?utag=28804
66. Child hearings reach record level
11 November 2008 – BBC News
A report by the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration
reveals that a record number of children's
hearings were held in Scotland during 2007.
Children can be referred to the hearing system because
they have been the victims of abuse or neglect,
or because they have been accused of a crime.
For full report click here
67. New research to target superbugs
11 November 2008 – BBC News
A Scottish project, Aeropath, is looking to find new
medications for infections relating to the bacterial superbugs.
The superbugs are also especially dangerous for patients
with a weakened immune system, such as
those who have undergone chemotherapy. Researchers
at the universities of Dundee and St Andrews
are involved.
For full report click here
Wales
68. Debate on paying for elderly care
11 November 2008 – BBC News
The Welsh Assembly Government says that it is
launching a "genuine debate" on how care services in
Wales should be funded.
Wales has a larger elderly population than the rest of
the UK, which is putting an increasing strain on the
care system.
The consultation will run in parallel with one in England,
prompted by predictions services will face a
£6bn funding gap across the UK in 20 years.
For full report click here
69. Free housing for junior doctors
10 November 2008 – BBC News
Health Minister, Edwina Hart has announced that all
junior doctors training in Wales can stay free in hospital
accommodation until July 2010.
She had previously agreed to extend the provision of
free on-site housing until summer 2009.
For full report click here
70. Trial tackles hospital infections
10 November 2008 – BBC News
Hospital infections such as C. difficile will be the target of
a £1.2m clinical trial by researchers in Swansea and
County Durham. The team will tackle the downside of
antibiotics given to elderly patients, which can lead to
diarrhoea and will look at whether supplements of
healthy bacteria - robotics - can help.
For full report click here
Learning Disabilities
71. Budgets not best for all
November 2008 - Caring Business
Research from almost 1,000 people shows that not
all are keen to have personal budgets – people with
learning disability were more likely to feel that they
had control over their daily lives.
Legislation Update
72. Children and Young Persons Act 2008
c.23
14 November 2008 – OPSI
For full legislation click here
73. No. 2927 The Council for Healthcare
Regulatory Excellence (Appointment, Procedure
etc.) Regulations 2008
14 November 2008 – OPSI
For full legislation click here
74. No. 2870 (C.127) The Children and Adoption
Act 2006 (Commencement No. 3) Order
2008
12 November 2008 – OPSI
For full legislation click here
75. CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS, ENGLAND
AND WALES
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act
2006 (Prescribed Criteria and Miscellaneous
Provisions) Regulations 2008
12 November 2008 – OPSI
For full legislation click here
76. PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE ADULTS,
ENGLAND AND WALES
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act
2006 (Prescribed Criteria and Miscellaneous
Provisions) Regulations 2008
12 November 2008 – OPSI
For full legislation click here
77. No. 355 The Scottish Commission for Human
Rights (Specification) Order 2008
11 November 2008 – OPSI
For full legislation click here
Mental Capacity
Nothing to report
Mental Health
78. Statistics lay bare inequalities in mental
healthcare
14 November 2008 - Health Service Journal
The most comprehensive set of data ever collated on
hospital and community mental health services has
revealed stark variations in the levels of care being
offered to different sections of the population.
79. Statistics lay bare inequalities in mental
healthcare
13 November 2008 – HSJ
The most comprehensive set of data ever collated on
hospital and community mental health services has revealed
massive variations in the levels of care which is
offered to different sections of the population.
The data shows that women aged 36-64 are around a
third more likely to benefit from the care programme
approach - in which they receive planned, co-ordinated
treatment - than teenage boys. This has been interpreted
as revealing that government pledges to improve
early intervention are failing to impact sufficiently.
For full report go to http://www.hsj.co.uk/news/2008/11/
statistics_lay_bare_inequalities_in_mental_healthcare.html?
tmcsTrackingInfo=$CtacY00FZVn4p78VT4Gr1CSUewE8aWmyObI_
dtvnJKv48nVl8OsQCGyMDw51Ejr1ZxkWhM7QU1$
80. Charity urges direct payments for Mental
Health Act clients
Mental Health Foundation demands direct
payments for detained clients
11 November 2008 – Community Care
The Mental Health Foundation has attacked the Government’s
“discriminatory” proposal to bar people detained
under the Mental Health Act the same access to
their direct payments as other client groups.
A consultation which has just closed has said that local
authorities would be able to use their discretion in offering
payments to people receiving compulsory treatment.
For full report click here
Miscellaneous
81. Power to the patients
15 November 2008 - The Times
Two pages on the internet forums for people to swap
advice about the full range of medical conditions – as
it says, from headaches to hernias.
82. Hundreds of Britons die on waiting list
every year despite 16m donors
14 November 2008 - The Times
The biggest hurdles to improving the rate of organ
transplants are shortages of intensive care staff,
transplant co-ordinators and funding.
83. Presumed consent: life-saver or imaginary
solution
14 November 2008 - The Times
In January 2008 the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown,
called for a national debate on organ donation and
suggested thousands of lives would be saved if the
country introduced a system of ‘presumed consent’.
Informed individuals put the arguments for and
against.
84. The Council for Healthcare Regulatory
Excellence (CHRE) draft Regulations 2008:
consultation report
14 November 2008 – DoH
A summary response to the public consultation on the
draft regulations setting out proposals for the Council
for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (Appointment,
Procedure etc.) Regulations 2008.
For full report click here
85. Life Expectancy and All Age All Cause
Mortality Monitoring (Overall and Health Inequalities)
- Update to include data for 2007
13 November 2008 – DoH
The latest annual update on life expectancy data was
released on 13 November 2008 according to arrangements
approved by the UK Statistics Authority.
The information consists of all age all cause mortality
rates, with data updated to 2005-07, which are used to
monitor progress against Department of Health targets
for overall life expectancy in England, and for the gap in
life expectancy between the areas with the worst health
and deprivation indicators (the Spearhead group) and
the England average.
For full report click here
86. A new Act is born
13 November 2008
Royal Assent for Human Fertilisation and Embryology
Act
New laws that will help maintain the UK's position as
a world leader in embryo research, enable scientists
to investigate cures for serious illnesses such as
Parkinson's disease and regulate assisted reproductive
treatments, received Royal Assent.
Key elements include:
* "Human-admixed" embryos created from a combination
of human and animal genetic material, purely
for laboratory research will be allowed and strictly
controlled. There will be a 14 day limit, after which the
e m b r y o m u s t b e d e s t r o y e d .
* Sex selection of offspring for non-medical reasons
is banned. Sex selection is only allowed for medical
reasons - for example to avoid a serious disease.
* Same-sex couples are recognised as legal parents
of children conceived through the use of donated
sperm, eggs or embryos. This recognises, for example,
the civil partner of a woman who carries a child
via IVF as the child's legal parent.
* Valuing the role of all parents by replacing the reference
to "the need for a father" with "the need for supportive
parenting". This retains a duty to take account
of the welfare of the child when providing fertility
treatment.
87. Life Expectancy and All Age All Cause
Mortality Monitoring (Overall and Health Inequalities)
- Update to include data for 2007
13 November 2008
Life Expectancy and All Age All Cause Mortality Monitoring
(Overall and Health Inequalities) - Update to
include data for 2007 The main points are:
- The overall life expectancy and all age all cause
mortality (AAACM) trends for both males and females
are broadly on course to deliver the PSA life expectancy
target of 78.6 years for men and 82.5 years for
women by 2010 (2009-11).
- In 2005-07, life expectancy at birth in England continued
to increase for both males and females, and
reached its highest level on record at 77.5 years for
males and 81.7 years for females.
- Three-year average AAACM rates for England have
fallen in each period since 1995-97.
- In 2005-07, average life expectancy at birth in the
Spearhead Group was 75.6 years for males and 80.2
years for females, having increased in each period
since 1995-97.
More detail can be found in the bulletin available at
the link below.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/
Publications/PublicationsStatistics/DH_090133
88. £400m spending limit forced on NHS
13 November 2008 - Health Service Journal
NHS organisations will be permitted to spend just
£400m of their £1.7bn surplus next financial year and
will not get the full increase in resources pledged to
them by the Treasury.
89. Assisted deaths to be debated in Commons
12 November 2008 - The Times
A ‘glimmer of hope’ for terminally ill adults as Govt
promised debates in the House of Commons on the
issue of assisted dying.
90. New Deputy Chief Dental Officer
11 November 2008
Sue Gregory has been appointed as the new Deputy
Chief Dental Officer at the Department of Health replacing
Tony Jenner, who is leaving the Department
of Health after six years.
The appointment will take effect in January 2009.
91. Their Full Potential: Improving specialist
disability employment services consultation
- Summary of responses
11 November 2008 – DWP
Publication presenting the responses to a consultation
on proposals to combine several schemes into a
single new programme to improve access to work
resources.
For full report go to http://www.dwp.gov.uk/resourcecentre/
des-consultation.asp
92. The Medical Profession (Miscellaneous
Amendments) Order 2008 Consultation Summary:
November 2008
11 November 2008 – DoH
A document setting out the outcome of a consultation
on a draft order to implement two of the reforms set
out in the white paper Trust Assurance and Safety:
The Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st
Century.
For full report click here
93. Statistical press notice: GP extended
opening hours - Monthly update
11 November 2008
GP extended opening hours for month ending October
2008.
This data shows the number of GP practices within
each Commissioner area (PCTs and Care Trusts)
and how many of those practices were offering extended
opening hours on the census date (21st October
2008).
Key findings this month:
* Of 8,263 practices, 4,864 (58.9%) offered extended
opening hours on the census date. This compares
with 51.4% in September.
* The average percentage of GP Practices offering
extended hours within each Commissioner area was
59.1%. This has changed from 51.5% in September.
* 1 Commissioner had no GP practices offering extended
opening hours (0.7%). In September there
were 6 (3.9%).
* 111 (73.0%) Commissioners have achieved the Operating
Framework aim of 50% of their GP Practices
offering extended opening hours. In September there
were 89 (58.6%) Commissioners that had achieved
the aim.
Links:
GP Extended Opening Hours data: http://
www.performance.doh.gov.uk/hospitalactivity/data_requests/
index.htm
94. Short-term setbacks and political squabbles
have knocked confidence in the care
home sector. If you’re looking for reassurance,
start with the statistics
11 November 2008 - Health Investor’s ‘take on the
Colliers Report
The care home sector might have seen some high
profile difficulties of late, but new data from property
consultants Colliers CRE suggests that the market’s
fundamentals are more robust than ever.
95. Industrial Action Update
7 November 2008 – CRB
Ongoing civil action taking place within the CRB has
been suspended as from Monday 10th November and
therefore the CRB service will return to normal.
The CRB website will keep you updated of any
changes.
www.crb.gov.uk
96. Older people’s ‘super charity’ names Dianne
Jeffrey as chair
Caring Times, October 2008
Help the Aged and Age Concern England have announced
the appointment of Dianne Jeffrey as chair
of the new UK charity for older people when the two
older people’s lobby groups merge next year.
Ms Jeffrey took up the role on 1st October.
97. People have a say...
November 2008 - Caring UK
An initiative by the County Council means the people
in Kent have been given the chance to tell Government
what they think about care.
Ed. I hope the people take that opportunity to tell
them how it is – namely, that Kent has not increased
payments made for care this year having