CCG Bulletin: Issue 81

8 Apr 2015 11:53 AM

New framework to assure CCGs

The new Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) assurance framework for 2015/16has been published. The new framework describes the assurance process which supports CCGs to commission safe, high quality and cost effective services for patients. It includes a strengthened focus on a CCG’s performance in delivering improvements for patients, as well as assessment of its capability to deliver core and additional delegated responsibilities.

Mental Health Taskforce launched

NHS England has launched a Mental Health Taskforce bringing together leaders and experts, including service users, from across the health and care system to collaborate on the best ways to design and deliver mental health services in England. The taskforce will develop a five year National Strategy for Mental Health covering services for all ages. This will be the first time there has been a strategic approach to designing mental health services spanning all settings, providers and ages.

For action

Consultation on specialised services clinical commissioning policies and service specifications

NHS England has launched a consultation on a number of proposed clinical commissioning policies and service specifications for specialised services. The consultation is on 33 policies, five service specifications and two other commissioning products: chemotherapy algorithms for multiple myeloma and UK Genetic Testing Network new test recommendations. It closes on 23 April.

Data collection on wheelchair services

CCGs have been testing a new mandatory national wheelchair services dataset, which was due to begin this month. Feedback, specifically regarding technical changes needing to be made to local IT systems, has resulted in a change to the timings and data collection will now begin in July. NHS England will continue to work with CCGs and providers via a voluntary collection and supporting activity to ensure they are as ready as possible for the collection in Quarter 2. Further information is available from paul.pickersgill@nhs.net.

Publications

General Election guidance

As of 30 March, Parliament is dissolved and the pre-election period for the 2015 General Election begins. The Cabinet Office has issued general election guidanceand all staff should be aware of the need to remain politically impartial at all times. Undertaking certain activities during the sensitive pre-election period could call into question the organisation’s political impartiality, or could give rise to criticism that public resources are being used for party political purposes.

Change in CCG numbers

There are now 209 CCGs operating in England. Gateshead CCG, Newcastle North and East CCG and Newcastle West CCG have merged to form Newcastle Gateshead CCG.

Redress guidance and Operating Model for NHS Continuing Healthcare

NHS England has published refreshed Redress Guidance for NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC) for CCGs. This now reflects guidance from the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman for all public sector bodies, on calculating interest on redress payments. The Operating Model for NHS Continuing Healthcare has also been published setting out the strategic importance of NHS CHC and the arrangements for NHS England to be assured of compliance with the National Framework for NHS CHC.

Implementing 2015/16 GP Contract changes

NHS England has written to commissioners to signpost guidance that is available to support implementation of the 2015/16 GP contract changes. Tripartite guidance and legal directions are also available. CCGs with roles in commissioning primary medical care services will need to work to amend local contracts and implement changes at the earliest possible opportunity, backdated in effect from 1 April 2015, including any agreed enhanced services.

Delayed Transfers of Care figures and Delayed Discharge Payments

The Department of Health has sent a letter to local authorities, informing them of changes to Delayed Transfers of Care (DTOC) and Delayed Discharge Payments that result from the Care Act. These became law from 1 April and have been extensively consulted upon. There are no changes to the way in which DTOCs are calculated. For questions relating to the Act please contactcarebillreform@local.gov.uk. For questions relating to the technical guidance please contact unify2@dh.gsi.gov.uk.

NHS Standard Contract 2015/16: national variations

The following documents have now been published:  NHS Standard Contract guidance on national variations; NHS Standard Contract national variation agreement template; national variation agreements; comparison documents showing changes made from the 2014/15 version of the Contract to the 2015/16 version;  comparison documents showing changes made from the 2014/15 version of the Contract and from the consultation drafts issued in December and updated CQUIN Technical Annex. A WebEx on implementing the dementia and delirium CQUIN is planned for 22 April (12.30 – 1.30pm). Please contact carville.ohara-green@nhs.net for details.