Guidance Notes and Best Practice Guides

DH: All parts of the NHS can now work out how fairly they treat patients & employees in a systematic & robust way following the launch of a new toolkit. The Equality Delivery System (EDS) will support the NHS in delivering personal, fair & more diverse health services in the future.
Press release & links
 
ScotGov: Planning Minister Aileen Campbell has announced a consultation early next year on proposed changes to planning fees.  She also launched 2 publications aimed at design & planning professionals:
* 'Green Infrastructure: design and placemaking' which sets out the key considerations for incorporating green infrastructure into new developments
* 'Rural design: future landscapes', which provides good practice guidance on rural design work.
Press release & links
 
NICE: NICE has published a new clinical guideline on best practice for the diagnosis & treatment of people with colorectal cancer.  It will help health professionals to provide consistent care for patients with colorectal cancer, supporting patients with the disease and ensuring equal access to services across England & Wales.
Press release & links
 
HL:  Guidance on the implementation of the new age extension to the Housing Benefit Shared Accommodation Rate (SAR) has been published by the Department of Work and Pensions.
Press release & links
 
NICEGPs should be given direct access to CT scans to investigate patients who present with headache for any serious underlying problems, say researchers. 
 
NICE is also highlighting that it is looking for more GPs & influential professionals to join the 2012 Fellows and Scholars Programme (applications to be submitted by Friday 25 November 2011)).
Press release & links

HPA: NICE has published its quality improvement guide on the prevention & control of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) in secondary care settings - See 'In the News' section for more information.
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