Consultations
WAG: New proposals to improve non-emergency patient transport services and make them more patient-centred have been announced (consultation closes on 6 June 2010), following the publication of a review undertaken by Win Griffiths, Chairman of Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Health Board, which says that the current system is ‘fragmented, could be better managed and does not offer a patient-led service’.
Non-emergency patient transport enables people to access outpatient, day treatment and other services at NHS hospitals. Users of the service are often seriously ill (such as those needing dialysis or chemotherapy), are usually vulnerable (with physical or other disabilities) and are dependent on such transport, as they often live in rural locations.
The review proposes that 4 pilot projects road-test the best ways of delivering improvements. Each pilot will be to develop a partnership model, based around the central Health Board-Wales Ambulance Service Trust relationship, with a specific focus for each one – locality planning, rural service delivery, or development of the third sector. The pilots will be reviewed after 12 months.
Press release ~ Consultation on Non-Emergency Patient Transport in Wales ~ WAG: Health and social care
Newswire – Ofcom: Would you like to help take part in Ofcom’s pioneering broadband speed research? Volunteers are needed for the project which last year provided consumers with the first real picture of UK internet speeds. It confirmed that actual broadband speeds are significantly below the advertised headline speeds.
For instance, the average ‘up to’ headline speed in April 2009 was 7.1 Mbit/s, but Ofcom found the average broadband speed was actually 4.1 megabits per second (Mbit/s). Their research programme is now being extended for the next 2 years and their technical partner in this research – SamKnows – is now looking for volunteers to join the project. If you’re interested, to register your interest.visit the SamKnows website.
Press release ~ Real picture of UK internet speeds ~ Ofcom: Signing up for a broadband deal guide
Press release ~ Real picture of UK internet speeds ~ Ofcom: Signing up for a broadband deal guide
Defra: The EU Plant Health Directive (2000/29/EC) requires Member States to carry out & charge for import inspections on all consignments subject to plant health control. In broad terms these checks cover plants, potatoes, the major fruit other than bananas & grapes, cut flowers and some leafy vegetables. This consultation exercise provides an opportunity to comment on a proposal to increase inspection charges to reflect changes in the sterling/Euro exchange rate.
HO: The Home Office is seeking views on amending the list of Schedule 5 pathogens that fall under Part 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001 (ATCSA). The consultation (closes on 15 July 2010) sets out the existing list & controls and what is known about the threat of terrorist use of pathogens & toxins within the UK.
WAG: New measures to protect children & young people from the harm caused by smoking have been unveiled by the Welsh Assembly Government. The proposals include a ban on the display of tobacco products in shops and the sale of tobacco products through vending machines
Under the proposed regulations, specialist tobacconists will still be able to display tobacco products within their shop, provided that displays cannot be seen from outside the shop. Restrictions will also be placed on the size of price lists for tobacco products in shops.
Subject to the outcome of the consultation (closes on 6 July 2010), the WAG aims to introduce the regulations in line with other UK countries. It is expected that the ban on vending machines will come into force in October 2011, along with the display requirements for small stores such as corner shops. For larger businesses, as defined in the regulations, the regulations are expected to take effect from October 2013.
Press release ~ Consultation on the draft tobacco control regulations for Wales under the Health Act 2009
Newswire – Ofqual: eFutures is a dedicated website on e-assessment incorporating an online toolkit for e-assessment practitioners. Based on research carried out last year, eFutures has been restructured in terms of content & functionality. They would like to hear your views on eFutures & your perception of its recent restructure and encourage you to fill out the evaluation form by 7 May 2010.
DWP: The department of Work and Pensions is consulting on Pension Protection Fund: Pension compensation sharing on divorce, etc. Through this consultation (closes on 22 June 2010), the DWP seeks views on two sets of draft Regulations:
Press release ~ The draft Pension Protection Fund (Pension Compensation Sharing on Divorce etc) Regulations 2010 and The draft Pension Protection Fund (Pensions on Divorce etc: Charges) Regulations 2010 - consultation ~ The draft Pension Protection Fund (Pension Compensation Sharing on Divorce etc) Regulations 2010 ~ The draft Pension Protection Fund (Pensions on Divorce etc: Charges) Regulations 2010
DCSF: The Department for Children, Schools and Families is consulting (closes on 24 June 2010) on proposed guidance to help local authorities establish quality improvement networks and support & develop childminders & childminding in their areas.
Press release ~ Consultation Document ~ Respond on-line ~ Consultation Response Form ~ C hildminding Quality Improvement Networks - Draft Tiered Approach Diagram ~ Proposed Principles and Criteria for a Childminding Quality Improvement Network
Press release ~ Consultation Document ~ Respond on-line ~ Consultation Response Form ~ C hildminding Quality Improvement Networks - Draft Tiered Approach Diagram ~ Proposed Principles and Criteria for a Childminding Quality Improvement Network
