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Health and Social Care
NEWS
New Public Health System
There is a new VSNW Briefing on Healthy Lives, Healthy People: the New Public Health System. Links to the documents mentioned in it are available below:
Healthy Lives, Health People: the New Public Health Sytstem Presentation
Public Health in Local Government
Public Health Outcomes Framework and associated documents
Timeline for implementation of the New Public Health System
The implementation of the new system is however subject to Parliamentary approval of the Health & Social Care Bill.
Health Bulletin 32
Included in this edition:
► Department of Health Update
► The New Public Health System: summary
► Events/Training
Health Bulletin 31
Included in this edition:
►Department of Health Update
► Warm Homes, Healthy People Fund
► European Commission Health Directorate– Call for proposals
Health Bulletin 30
Included in this edition:
Caring For Our Future- shared ambitions for care and support
VSNW is gathering views for The ‘Caring for our Future – shared ambitions for care and support’ engagement exercise currently taking place.
The ‘Caring for our Future – shared ambitions for care and support’ engagement exercise is the Government’s next step in the reform of social care before the publication of the Care and Support White Paper. It aims to discuss the priorities for improving social care with people who use care and support services, carers, local councils, care providers and the voluntary sector
VSNW in partnership with Regional Voices have produced a combined Briefing and Response document so that the voluntary and community sector in the North West can make their views known on what they feel should be the priorities for the proposed Care and Support system.
The document provides you with information as well as a space in which to feed in your response. This will form part of a coordinated response to the Department of Health by VSNW and its partner Regional Voices. Closing date for responses is Monday 21st November 2011.
New On Line Counselling Directory
A new website has been developed to enable people to find a counsellor appropriate for their needs. The website also contains a number of sections on emotional disorders (types of distress section) and provides some useful statistics. Every counsellor on the site has either sent a copy of their qualifications and insurance cover, or is registered with a professional body online with recognised codes of ethics and practice. www.counselling-directory.org.uk.
Briefing #68 Year of Health and Wellbeing
The North West Year of Health and Wellbeing is the beginning of a decade long movement to help everyone in the North West to feel good and live well. Its aim is to encourage organisations across all sectors to promote the Five Ways to Wellbeing to all those they work with, employ, or provide services to.
Health Bulletin 29
This edition includes:
► Department of Health update
► The impact of health reforms on deaf BME communities
► Outcome Based Commissioning
Briefing #65 Clinical Commissioning Groups
Guidance and clarification has recently been produced by the Dept of Health with regard to the status and responsibility of the emerging Clinical Commissioning Groups. As part of the Briefing VSNW has also produced a list of all the North West Pathfinder Clinical Commissioning Groups together with contact details.
Health Bulletin 28
Included in this edition:
► Department of Health Caring for our future engagement exercise
► Future Forum phase 2
► Influencing the New Health System briefing
Health Bulletin 27
Included in this edition:
►Expressions of Interest – PILOT Armed Forces Veteran Support Project
►Joint Strategic Needs Assessment – Resources for Engagement
►The Low Review – Personal Mobility in State Funded Residential Care
Expressions of Interest: PILOT - Armed Forces Veterans Support Project (Non-Clinical)
Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT intends to commission the above project and are seeking expressions of interest from all suitably qualified and experienced organisations in the provision of this signposting service across the North West and will be particularly keen to hear from organisations that wish to lead a comprehensive and coherent group of providers (be that as a consortium, or as a (contractual or corporate) Joint Venture, or in some form of partnership).
Two development days are taking place 6th and 9th September To register your interest in attending please request Registration Documents by emailing: emmaleigh@nhs.net. Closing date 1st September. Read more
Joint Strategic Needs Assessment - Resources for Engagement
Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) have produced further resources to support the voluntary sector to engage with their local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA). They have produced a Briefing and a Template for the voluntary sector to use but have also produced one for the statutory sector to use to engage with the voluntary sector.
Health Bulletin 26
Included in this edition:
►DH Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development Fund
►Cost of Implementing Personal Health Budgets
►Extending Choice of Any Qualified Provider
►Regional Voices - 'On the Radar'
Briefing #58 Engagement with European Health: Opportunities and Risks in the North West of England
The purpose of this briefing is to
►Explain the role of the NW Health Brussels Office
►Outline areas for engagement with European issues
Health Bulletin 25
Included in this edition:
Health Bulletin 24
Included in this edition:
►People Powered Health
►Law Commission: Adult Social Care
►CQC State of Care 2009/10 Report
►Statement of Government Policy on Safeguarding
Listening Exercise - VSNW Submission to the Future Forum
Following the Listening Exercise on 23rd May VSNW have submitted a response to the Future Forum incorporating the key points identified by those attending. Download the Submission
Young People's Views on Being Well and the future of public health
The National Children's Bureau have published a report of the consultation they carried out with young people on the Public Health White Paper: Healthy Lives, Healthy People. Download the report
Health Bulletin 23
Included in this edition:
Joints Strategic Needs Assessment Good Practice Guide
A Guide has been produced by Local Government Improvement and Development for the newly emerging Health and Wellbeing Boards called 'JSNA: A Springboard for Action'. Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNA) are seen as having an increasingly important role in the joining up and delivery of joint health and social care services across local authority areas. Download here
Health Bulletin 22
Included in this edition
►CQC Regulatory Fees
►Dept Health NW Update
►Safeguarding Adults: the role of Health Services
►Social Care Framework 2011/12
Health White Paper Consultation Dept of Health Written Responses
During the Health White Paper Consultations last September, participants were asked to submit written questions on post-it ntoes which the Dept of Health would then respond with written answers. They have recently done so and the answers provided can be downloaded.
Passage of a Bill - Health and Social Care
VSNW recently ran a Parliamentary Outreach session looking at the Passage of a Bill and one of the areas it focused on was the Health and Social Care Bill at the Committee Stage. The presentation from the session which includes links to the relevant Parliament website pages can be downloaded.
Health Bulletin 21
Featured in this edition
► Any Willing Provider Interim Report
► Dept of Health NW Update
► Help a Heart Grant
► National Personal Budgets Survey
Healthy Communities in the North West - Preston and Warrington Events
Below you will find links to the presentations, papers and other documents referred to during the two information and consultation events held recently. Although VSNW will be writing a response to the Public Health White Paper it is important that your organisation also responds. The closing date for all responses is 31st March 2011. Links to the three Public Health consultation papers are also listed.
Presentations - Preston
- The Health Transition - Emma Easton, Health Coordinator, Regional Voices
- Healthy Lives, Healthy People - Strategy for Public Health in England White Paper - Dr. Ruth Hussey, Director of Public Health, NHS NW
- Funding and Commissioning Routes for Public Health - Lucinda Cawley, Associate Director Public Health, NHS Central Lancashire
- Public Health Outcomes Framework - Gill Sadler, Programme Lead: Public Health Workforce, NHS NW
Presentations - Warrington
- The Health Transition - Richard Caulfield, Chief Executive, Voluntary Sector North West
- Healthy Lives, Healthy People - Strategy for Public Health in England White Paper - Wendy Meredith, Deputy Director of Public Health, NHS NW
- Funding and Commissioning Routes for Public Health - Ed Waller, Public Health Development Unit, Dept of Health
- Public Health Outcomes Framework - Yvonne Dailey, Consultant Dental Public Health, NHS Western Cheshire
Papers
- The Health Transition Timelines - extracted from Emma Easton's presentation
- Workshop Briefing Papers:
- Commissioning Public Health Funded Activity Table
- Briefing #49 Healthy Lives, Healthy People - Strategy for Public Health in England White Paper
- Updaterd Briefing #51 GP Consortia and the Health Transition Period
Weblinks
Below are links to the Dept of Health web pages for the three Public Health White Paper consultations:
- Healthy Lives, Healthy People - Strategy for Public Health in England White Paper
- Healthy Lives, Healthy People - Consultation on the funding and commissioning routes for public health
- Healthy Lives, Healthy People - Transparency in outcomes, proposals for a public health outcomes framework
Health Bulletin 20
Included in this edition
►Update including event opportunities
►Campaign to support sexual health services
►Health and Social Care Reform - new website
►NHS Support for Social Care
Updated Briefing #51 - GP Consortia and the Health Transition Period
This Briefing has been updated to take account of the latest developments in the NHS Reforms and provides a
Healthy Communities in the North West
Healthy Communities in the North West
The Healthy Lives, Healthy People Public Health White Paper will be the focus of these two joint VSNW and Regional Voices events . It will include information about the Public Health White Paper including the Outcomes Framework and the Funding and Commissioning Routes papers which have recently been published. There will be key Dept of Health NW Public Health speakers at each event to be held on:
23rd February 2011 at the Gujarat Hindu Society, Preston - Download the Booking Form and Programme
2nd March 2011 at The Gateway, Warrington - Download the Booking Form and Programme
Both events will run from 9.30 am - 2.15 pm and are free of charge.
Health Bulletin 19
In this edition:
Tender Opportunities
Applications are invited from Local Authorities and Health organisations and through them their local partners in the independent sector in housing, care and support related areas for the following:
- Proposals are invited for the delivery of innovation in services that increase the employment of adults with learning disabilities, especially those that may have traditionally received day care services. Sums available 2 x £60k (total available £120K). Download tender specification.
- Proposals are invited for the delivery of innovation in services that increase settled supported housing options for persons with mental health issues or learning disabilities. Sums available 2 x £55k (total available £110K). Download tender specification
Closing date for submission of Tenders 24th January 2011.
GP Consortia Pathfinders Announced - 10 in North West
The first groups of GPs who will take the lead in the Government’s plans for commissioning health services have been announced. There are 10 groups of GP practices in the North West out of the 52 from across England. They have been selected to be the first to take on commissioning responsibilities as part of the Government’s plans set out in the NHS White Paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS. Read more in Health Bulletin Extra
Public Health White Paper: Healthy Lives, Healthy People
Healthy Lives, Healthy People - the Public Health White Paper has now been published. It outlines a commitment to helping people live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives; and improving the health of the poorest, fastest. The White Paper outlines an approach which mirrors that of the Health White Paper and A Vision for Social Care - one of decentralising decision making and responsibility down to local government, community and individual level. Proposals include local authority based Directors of Public Health who will work in partnership with the local NHS and the public, private and voluntary sectors; ring fenced budgets for local authority public health activity together with a health premium to reward progress against health outcomes. The approach will be one of individuals taking responsibility to live more healthily through encouragement with more prescriptive approaches only if this fails. Read the Briefing.
VSNW will be holding events with partners in early in 2011 to enable you to find out more about the White Paper and to contribute towards a response. More details will be published soon.
Download Healthy Lives, Healthy People
Active at 60 Fund
The Community Development Foundation has been selected to deliver the Active at 60 Fund supported by the Dept of Work and Pensions. The fund will be delivered in seven areas of the North West: Liverpool, Manchester, Salford, Blackpool, Knowsley, Rochdale, and Wirral. Local organisations will recruit at least one Active at 60 Community Agent who will volunteer their time to help motivate, encourage and organise people within their own communities to become more active, physically, socially and mentally. Grants of between £250 and £3,000 will be available. More information from the Community Development Foundation website or email activeat60@cdf.org.uk.
Health Bulletin 18
Included in this edition:
►Update
►A Vision for Social Care: Capable Communities and Active Citizens
►Choose Well – 5 Key Questions to keep you fit and well this winter
►Commissioning Talking Therapies 2011/12
►CQC First Annual Report into Mental Health
►Equality & Human Rights Commission: Human rights of older people
►Extension of Independent Social Workers into Adult Care
►Funding Opportunities
►Office of National Statistics Wellbeing Survey
►Personalisation
►Recognised, valued and supported: next steps for Carers Strategy
►Skills for Care
►Support a Stronger Civil Society
►Transition Fund: North West Briefing Events
►Events and Training
Choose Well - 5 Key Questions to Keep You Fit and Well this Winter
The NHS have produced a flyer aimed at people with long term conditions or aged over 65. It has five key questions people can ask themselves that could help them to stay fit and well over the winter period. Download the flyer and go to www.nhs.uk for more information.
A Vision for Adult Social Care: Capable Communities and Active Citizens
The Dept of Health has published its Vision for Adult Social Care which sets out the Coalition Government's new agenda for adult social care in England. Their aim is to make services more personalised, more preventative and more focused on delivering the best outcomes for those who use them. It will involve devoling power to communities and indiviuals and will give more freedom and responsibility to front line workers and carers to improve services and support people in new ways. Local authorities will be expected to reform and redesign services and achieve significant productivity gains.
Download Briefing #47 A Vision for Social Care
Also published alongside the Vision for Adult Social Care were a range of other documents related to Adult Social Care, Personalisation, Development of new providers and Building Effective Partnerships:
- Transparency in outcomes: a framework for Social Care - a consultation on a new strategic approach to quality and outcomes in adult social care. The consultation envisages an enabling framework which places outcomes at the heart of social care, improves quality in services, and empowers citizens to hold their councils to account for the services they provide.
- Enabling risk, ensuring safety: self-directed support and personal budgets - the report explores what research is beginning to say about overcoming some of the barriers to personalisation and how individuals and organisations are approaching the barriers in practice.
- Practical Approaches to safeguarding and personalisation - sets out how personalisation of support and more effective safeguarding can be mmutually suportive.
- Practical Approaches to market and provider development - the paper is intended to support the wider application of best practice models and approaches by local commissioners and providers of social care in the third and independent sector.
- Practical Approaches to improving the lives of disabled and older people through building stronger communities - this briefing puts the Building Community Capacity to Put People First project into the context of the personalisation agenda.
- Practical approaches to co-production - building effective partnership with people using services, carers, families and citizens.
- Think Local, Act Personal: Next Steps for Transforming Adult Social Care - a proposed sector-wide commitment to moving forward with personalistion and community-based support. This paper outlines the proposed agreement which has been endorsed by a range of organisations and public bodeies across the adult social care sector.
Liberating the NHS: Greater Choice and Control and An Information Revolution - Briefings and an Invitation
Two more consultation papers for the Health White Paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS have been published. They are
• Greater Choice and Control – the presumption that everyone should have choice, control and shared decision making regarding their care and treatment and
• An Information Revolution – where people have the information they need to stay healthy, take decisions about and exercise more control of their care and to make the right choices for themselves and their families.
Briefings are available on www.vsnw.org.uk/publications/briefings .
NHS NW is holding an event to discuss Greater Choice and Control and An Information Revolution on 29th November at the Reebok, Bolton. This event will provide an opportunity to discuss the papers in more detailTo book a place go to www.nhsevents.org/ or if you have any questions contact stacey.chantler@northwest.nhs.uk
Health Bulletin 17
Included in this edition are:
►Clinks Service User Guides
►Comprehensive Spending Review: Health Outcome
►Healthy Start Consultation
►Liberating the NHS: Two new Consultation Papers
►New System of Regulation for Adult Social Care and Independent Providers
►Personalisation News
►Reaching out to Carers Innovation Fund
►Six Lives: Progress Report
►Skills for Care News
►Using the equalities duties to make fair financial decisions
Health White Paper - Latest Consultations
Two further consultation papers relating to Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS have now been published. One relates to Information and the other to Choice.
- Liberating the NHS: An Information Revolution: is about transforming the way information is accessed, collected, analysed and used so that people are at the heart of health and adult social care services.
- Liberating the NHS: Greater Choice and Control: sets out proposals which envisage a presumption of greater choice and control over care and treatment, choice of treatment and healthcare provider
The closing date for both consultations is 14th January 2011.
Comprehensive Spending Review - Health Outcome
The Dept of Health will receive a 0.4% increase in real terms over the course of the Spending Review period. This will include a 1.3% increase in resources and a 17% decrease in capital spending. The administration budget will be reduced by 33% and will be reinvested to support the delivery of NHS services.
Much of this reduction in the administration budget will be achieved through the abolition of Primary Care Trusts, the reduction in the number of Arms Length Bodies over the next four years and a smaller Dept of Health.
One of the key aims of the Health White Paper is to create greater integration in the delivery of health and social care services. To achieve this additional yearly resources rising to £2 billion by 2014-15 will go through the NHS and local government. Areas which will be resourced include:
• Reablement
• Expanding access to talking therapies
• New cancer drugs fund of up to £200 million a year
• Funding priority for new hospital schemes inlcuidng in the North West: the Royal Oldham and West Cumberland
• Free presecriptions for people with long term conditions
• One to one nursing for cancer patients and a one week wait for cancer diagnostics. The Government will set out a review of the Cancer Reform Strategy this winter.
The Government sees the outcome of the CSR settlement as sitting alongside its plans laid out in the White Paper, ‘Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS’.
The full press release including a statement by the Secretary of State, Andrew Lansley, can be read at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/MediaCentre/Pressreleases/DH_120676
Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS - VSNW Responds
VSNW has written responses to the four Health White Paper consultation papers that have so far been published.
It has based the responses on the information gathered at the North West Equity and Excellence consultation held on 7th September 2010 in Manchester attended by over 100 people from the voluntary and community sector. The responses can be downloaded:
- Commissioning for Patients
- Local Democratic Legitimacy in Health
- Regulating Health Care Providers
- Transparency in Outcomes
Two more consultation papers are due out very shortly - Information and Choice and Control. These will be followed in November by the Vision for Social Care and a Public Health White Paper.
SEIF Capital Grants - up to £450k for Health and Care
The Social Enterprise Investment Fund have launched a new round of capital grants for third sector enterprises involved in health and care. The website below provides information on eligibility, the application form, comprehensive guidance notes and the cashflow template.
http://www.thesocialinvestmentbusiness.org/grants/
The deadline for applications is noon on 1st November 2010.
HEALTH BULLETIN 16
Included in this edition:
►Achieving Equity and Excellence for Children
►CQC Survey of Users of Community Mental Health Care
►Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives – National Adult Autism Strategy – Regional Implementation
►National Autistic Society Learning Needs Survey
HEALTH BULLETIN 15
Included in this edition:
►Briefing #34 Analysis of the Voluntary Sector Social Care Workforce in the NW
►Autism Strategy ‘Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives’ Implementation Consultation
►NHS Principles and Rules for Cooperation and Competition
►Personalisation
►Refreshing the National Carers Strategy
►Supporting People to Live and Die Well
►Third Sector Investment Programme
DEPT OF HEALTH STRUCTURAL REFORM
This Framework was published at the same time as the Health White Paper and whilst it contains much of what is in Equity and Excellence, it also includes more information about public health and other reforms to the NHS. It will form the basis for the implementation of the White Paper. Download
THIRD SECTOR INVESTMENT PROGRAMME: Innovation, Excellence and Service Development Fund 2011/12
The Dept of Health are inviting voluntary and community sector organisations to apply for the Innovation, Execellence and Service Development Fund which supports health and social care projects. The closing date for applications is 1st November 2010 and the fund is for projects which will begin in April 2011 or later. Although there is no minimum or maximum amount of funding to apply for, the average grant in 2010 was £52,000. The supporting information says that the amount of funding available will be subject to the outcome of the current Comprehensive Spending Review . More information http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_118373
HEALTH WHITE PAPER - Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS
The White Paper on health, ‘Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS’ was published on 12th July and sets out the Government's vision for the NHS. The proposals represent some of the biggest changes to the NHS in the last 60 years and provide both opportunities and challenges for our sector. Regional Voices in partnership with VSNW have produced a Briefing which oulines the key areas of the White Paper and also highlights some possible implications for the voluntary and community sector.
Download the Health White Paper
Following on from the White Paper, the Government has now produced four consultation papers and one review document which it will be consulting on up until early October.
The Consultation topics are:
- Commissioning for Patients: further information on the intended arrangements for GP commissioning and the NHS Commissioning Board's role in supporting consortia and holding them to account.
- Local Democratic Legitimacy in Health: further information on proposals for increasing local democratic legitimacy in health, through a clear and enhanced role for local government.
- Regulating Health Care Providers: further information on proposals for foundation trusts and to establish an economic regulator for health and adult social care.
- Transparency in Outcomes - a framework for the NHS: further information on proposals for developing an NHS Outcomes Framework.
The Review Document: Report of the Arm's-Length Bodies Review sets out in more detail the proposals to to abolish some arm's-length bodies, streamline the functions of others, and the transfer of functions to other bodies.
Consultation Event
VSNW in partnership with Regional Voices and the Dept. of Health will be holding a Health White Paper Consultation workshop in the North West in September. The final date will be announced very shortly and if you would like to register your interest in attending please email margaret.mcleod@vsnw.org.uk
VSNW Health Bulletin 14
Included in this edition
• Update - Health White Paper
• Access to Volunteering Fund
• Commission on the Funding of Care and Support
• ‘Enough is Enough! Action Against Homophobia’ Campaign
• Equality Act 2010: What do I need to know?
• New LGBT Carers Support Group and Online Forum
• NW Health Equity Platform
• Personalisation
• Sex and Violence: Improving Your Care
• Skills for Care: Helping with CQC Inspection Outcomes
• Events and Training
VSNW Health Bulletin 13
includes the following
• Access to Volunteering Fund
• Care Quality Commission – Consultation on Revised Enforcement Policy
• Commissioning Health Care in Prisons
• Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Week: 3rd-10th July
• Marmot Review: Fair Society Health Lives Update
• NW Regional Offender Health Team – Directory of VCS Organisations
• Social Return on Investment
• Social Values
• Skills for Care: Work smart, work safe – combating violence against care staff
• Events and Training
Personalisation
There is now a section of the website for Personalisation where you will find news, resources, etc. All the information from the recent Third Sector: Are You Ready? conference are available here.
NW Offender Health Directory
The NW Regional Offender Health Team have produced a Directory of Voluntary and Community Sector organisations who are working to improve the health of people in the NW. The Regional Offernder Health Team aim to reduce health inequalities in order to improve people’s lives and reduce re-offending. If you would like to be included in the Directory or have amendments to make to your entry then email Tracy-Ann.Wilson@hmps.gsi.gov.uk . Download the Directory.
Social Return on Investment - Resources
The Race Equality Foundation has produced a paper which contains links to a large range of resources on all aspects of Social Return on Investment. The paper contains links to documents, websites, toolkits, etc. Download the paper.
New Government Plans for the Reform of Social Care
The Government has announced its plans for the reform of social care including a commitment to:.
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establish a commission on long-term care, to report within a year. The commission will consider a range of ideas, including both a voluntary insurance scheme to protect the assets of those who go into residential care, and a partnership scheme as proposed by Derek Wanless.
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break down barriers between health and social care funding to incentivise preventative action.
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extend the greater roll-out of personal budgets to give people and their carers more control and purchasing power.
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use direct payments to carers and better community-based provision to improve access to respite care.
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reform Access to Work, so disabled people can apply for jobs with funding already secured for any adaptations and equipment they will need.
You can comment on these proposals by going to http://programmeforgovernment.hmg.gov.uk/social-care-and-disability/
Plans for Public Health
The Government believes there needs to be action to promote public health, and encourage behaviour change to help people live healthier lives and makes the following commitments:
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will give local communities greater control over public health budgets with payment by the outcomes they achieve in improving the health of local residents.
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will give GPs greater incentives to tackle public health problems.
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will investigate ways of improving access to preventative healthcare for those in disadvantaged areas to help tackle health inequalities.
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will ensure greater access to talking therapies to reduce long-term costs for the NHS.
New Ministers in Place at Dept of Health
The new Ministers are at the Dept. of Health are:
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Secretary of State: Andrew Lansley
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Minister of State: Simon Burns
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Minister of State for Care Services: Paul Burstow
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Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Public Health: Anne Milton
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Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Quality: Earl Howe
For more information on their individual portfolios visit http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/MediaCentre/Pressreleases/DH_116244
Winning Public Sector Tenders
A recent NW Public Service Delivery Network Meeting included a presentation from Jim Williams of Tender Management Consultancy entitled '30 Useful Minutes About Winning Public Sector Tenders' which included twelve steps to tendering success. Download the presentation.
NHS Constitution
The NHS have produced an A5 booklets explaining the NHS Constitution. Printed copies are available to order from www.orderline.dh.gov.uk where you can also order posters and postcards.
Individual budgets and personalisation: understanding the opportunities and challenges facing local third sector infrastructure organisations
The Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) at Sheffield Hallam University is carrying out research to identify how local support and development organisations can support the local voluntary sector to meet the challenges posed by personalisation. They are looking for a mixture of local infrastructure and frontline voluntary organisations to take part in the research and are particularly keen to hear from anyone working in the individual budget pilots areas. Research participants would need to spend about an hour with a researcher, either face to face or over the phone. To express an interest in participating in the research please contact Chris Dayson (CRESR) on 0114 2254173, email c.dayson@shu.ac.uk or Paul Ritchie (Voluntary Action Rotherham) on 01709 829821, email paul.ritchie@varotherham.org.uk
Health Bulletin 11
March saw the publication of a range of documents, links to some of which are below, in the run up to the announcement of the election date. We are now in the period of pre-election purdah and you may find it interesting to read the three main political parties’ health policies.
Liberal Democrats: http://www.libdems.org.uk/health.aspx
Labour: http://www.labour.org.uk/policies/health
Conservative: http://www.conservatives.com/Policy/Where_we_stand/Health.aspx
Included in this edition are:
• 5-year Plan for the Regulation of Mental Health Services
• Better Health Guides for CEO’s
• DWP - Care First Careers - £1000 for eligible young people recruited
• Daphne III – Call for Partners
• Inclusion Health: improving primary care for socially excluded people
• National Audit Office: Successful Commissioning Toolkit
• Progress For Providers Tool
• ‘Reaching Out’ Report: Understanding the Health Attitudes of Harder to Reach Groups in the North West
• The NHS Commissioning Environment: A Guide for Third Sector Organisations¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
• Events / Training
Health Bulletin 10
Everyone who works in the third sector is aware of the impact of inequalities on people’s lives. A conference this week brought together colleagues from the third sector to discuss how they can take forward the Marmot Review: Fair Society Healthy Lives. Professor Sir Michael Marmot outlined very clearly the evidence showing those who are poorer economically and socially have worse healthy life expectancies than those who are better off. Mike Farrar, the Chief Executive of NHS NW, also spoke and reiterated his commitment to tackling health inequalities in the North West and to the role that the third sector will play in achieving this. VSNW have produced a Briefing of the Marmot Review which can be downloaded.
The Bulletin includes the following:
• Asylum Seekers and Health Care Provision in the North West
• BME ‘Training For All’ Project Website Launch
• Care and Support Conference Report
• “From the Ground Up - A guide to integrated care design and delivery”
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• New Food Coop Advisor for North West
• Review of Access to NHS by Foreign Nationals
• Skills for Care Accolades 2010
• The State of Care in England – the Care Quality Commission Annual Report
• Events / Training
“From the Ground Up - A guide to integrated care design and delivery”
A report jointly commissioned by Community Health Partnership (CHP) and the Integrated Care Network (ICN). It aims to support service commissioners; including those involved in planning, service delivery, finance and infrastructure as well as local partnerships, who are looking to develop integrated care services. The report:
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Offers an overview of the policy framework for integration.
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Presents an outline of the approach to integration taken by four examples of different types of integrated care service.
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Analyses the elements of success in integrating care, and presents a model of design and delivery for managers to consider in relation to their own services and planning new facilities.
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Concludes with a range of hints and tips based on the research undertaken to develop this document.
Download the report.
NICE Draft Guidance on the Physical and Mental Wellbeing of Looked After Children
The Department of Health (DH) asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) to produce joint guidance on improving the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of looked-after children and young people.
The guidance is for all those who have a direct or indirect role in, and responsibility for, promoting the quality of life of looked-after children and young people. This includes policy makers, commissioners, managers, practitioners and carers in the NHS, local authorities, the criminal justice system, education, the private, voluntary and community sectors, and foster carers. It may also be of interest to looked-after children and young people, their families, prospective adopters and other members of the public. It contains draft recommendations. The closing date for comments is 14th April. Download the document .
Asylum Seekers and Health Care Provision in the North West
The regional migration Health Interest Group has recently produced a brief outline of the asylum process in relation to health care, an overview of health care entitlements and some links to key papers on asylum seeker and refugee health. Download the document. If you would like more information about migration and health contact Alison Ricketts on 0161 952 4049.
North West Mental Wellbeing Survey
A major new survey of 18,500 residents in the North West has been published. The survey was carried out in response to a need to understand more about positive mental health and wellbeing. Carried out as a collaborative partnership between local authorities, PCT's, and led by NHS NW, it is seen as informing future policy and practice in the North West. Read the VSNW Briefing or download the Summary Report.
Marmot and the Third Sector: Addressing Health Inequalities Together - 9th March 2010 - London
This important Conference organised by the Dept of Health's Strategic Partners* will give you the opportuity to hear more about the strategic review that Professor Sir Michael Marmot was asked to lead to develop a joint approach to tackling health inequalities. It will provide a unique opportunity to consider the essential roleof third sector organisations in addressing the problems. Speakers include Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Gillian Merron MP, MInister of State for Public Health and Mike Farrer, Chief Executive of NHS NW.
During the day you will have the chance to discuss with colleagues from across the sector some of the specific challenges we face and how the Marmot Report can help your organisation’s work. You will have the opportunity to learn from the keynote speakers as well as having the chance to attend two interactive workshops during the day to discuss issues in depth.
*The Strategic Partners are a wide ranging group of third sector organisations working with the Department of Health to strengthen links between it and the sector. VSNW is a Strategic Partner through its role in Regional Voices.
For more information and to book a place: Regional Voices website .
Health Bulletin 9
The Marmot Review will be publishing its final report in two weeks time. Marmot identifies health inequalities as being socially determined – those who are the worst off economically and socially are more likely to have poorer health. Currently the latest draft of the North West single regional strategy – RS2010 – is out for consultation. One of its themes is ‘Release the potential of our people and tackle poverty’. There is recognition within this theme that a healthy society is more likely to be an economically prosperous one and that with improved standards of health care there will not only be a healthier population but decreased levels of worklessness. The Draft Strategy can be downloaded from www.nwregionalstrategy.com. VSNW with partners in the region are holding a series of third sector consultations and if you would like to attend visit: http://www.vsnw.org.uk/events/view/52 . The consultation closes on 26th February 2010.
The latest bulletin includes information on the following:
• NHS Operating Framework
• Joint Strategic Needs Assessment – Third Sector Engagement
• Conservative Draft Health Manifesto
• NMDS Skills for Care Briefing
• Volunteering in Health and Social Care Fund Information Events
• Adult Learners Week Awards
• New Certification Scheme for Health and Social Care Information
• North West Mental Wellbeing Survey
• Swine Flu Update
Health Bulletin 8
This edition includes:
• Update
• Personal Health Budgets: NW Pilot Sites and Programme
• NHS 2010–2015: from good to great, preventative, people-centred, productive
• NHS as the Preferred Provider – a Dept. of Health Clarification
• Health and Social Care Volunteering Fund
• Age Equality in Health and Social Care Consultation Events
• PCT Grant Making Powers
• Swine Flu Update for Third Sector Organisations
• PSA16 in the North West
• Events
Personal Health Budgets: Pilot Sites and Programme
The Dept of Health have announced the Personal Health Budgets Pilot Porgamme Sites. Eleven PCT areas and two teaching trusts have been chosen in the North West: Ashton, Leigh and Wigan, Blackburn with Darwen, Central and Eastern Cheshire; Cumbria Teaching; East Lancashire Teaching, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Manchester, Merseyside – Sefton, Knowsley and Liverpool, Oldham, Warrington, Western Cheshire. For more details of the scope of the work they will be targeting read the PIlot Sites document.
PCT Grant Making Powers to Commission Long Term Conditions Self Care Support from Third Sector Organisations
The Dept of Health have produced a paper highlighting the role grants can play in developing and supporting low level community activity. The paper states that the use of grants is particularly pertinent to commissioning self care support for people with long term conditions. The paper goes on to say Third Sector organisations will have an increasingly important role to play in meeting some of the expected increase in demand for self care support. Read the full Paper
Social Enterprise Investment Fund for Health and Social Care
Social Investment Business and the Department of Health have unveiled eight investment programmes aimed at social enterprises working in the health and social care sector. The funds, which offer a range of grants or loans of up to £10m, are available under the department's Social Enterprise Investment Fund (SEIF), which is managed by the Social Investment Business, the organisation formerly known as Futurebuilders England.
The funds are generally aimed at helping social enterprises develop innovative services in health and social care and have been designed to cater for different types of social enterprises. The SEIF Outreach Fund offers grants of up to £30,000 for organisations that are developing new products and services for those who are socially or geographically excluded. The SEIF Growth Fund offers investment packages from £50,000 to £10m to existing organisations for working capital, buildings, staff or any other outlays incurred by social enterprises in their efforts to grow. For more information go to the Department of Health's Social Enterprise Investment Fund.
NHS Quality Framework: Quality Accounts
The Dept. of Health is currently consulting on the format of a Quality Accounts report which it is proposed will be rolled out to third sector organisations deliverying NHS Health Services from 2011. VSNW have produced a briefing with details of how to respond.
Conversation with Commissioners
VSNW partnered with NHS North West in a series of Conversation with Commissioners events during October 2009. Below are some of the presentations from the events, which focused on ways in which the voluntary and community sectors can best engage with health service commissioners across the region.
World Class Commissioning - presentation by Liz Matthews from NHS North West
Presentation from health authorities in Lancashire
Presentation from NHS Cumbria (large file, 4MB)
Questions from the Health Partnership at Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation
Questions from Time for Change - Introducing Voluntary Organisations to Health Care Commissioning
This event generated a large number of questions and it was agreed that written answers would be provided by NHS NW, VSNW and the Gtr Manchester Health Partnership. The responses have now been written and can be
The beneficiaries of the £30 million fund to help transform and modernise local charity support services have been announced by Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society. The European Regional Development Fund 2007-13 is announcing a Priority 4 and Priority 5 call for project applications. VSNW’s list of events & training opportunities for VCS groups in the North WestFeatured Event
Open Public Services - Passage of a bill workshop
This VSNW/Parliamentary Outreach Service event will explore the stages that the bill would go through, their relative importance and ways to engage and influenceLatest News
Transforming Local Infrastructure Fund results announced
North West Operational Programme - Call for projects
Events & Trainings




