Guidance supports the delivery of the NHS Operating Framework 2012/13

Guidance supports the delivery of the NHS Operating Framework 2012/13:

The published planning guidance supports the delivery of the NHS Operating Framework 2012/13 and provides more detail on accountability arrangements.

The integrated approach to planning and assurance between the Department of Health and the NHS for 2012/13 includes:

the indicative planning timetable; content of the submission; overview of the indicators process; overview of the milestones process; overview of assurance narrative and red, amber,green rating on each primary care trust cluster plan.

Strategic health authority cluster submissions on plans for 2012/13 are due in two stages: the first submission due on 27 January 2012, with the final submission due on 5 April 2012. Department of Health

Patients should have online access to medical records, says report

Patients should have online access to medical records, says report:

Changes would enable patients to view their whole medical history and study results of diagnostic tests. NHS patients will be allowed to see and edit their medical records under proposals in a government-commissioned report.

The plan is contained in a report that an expert advisory group, headed by Professor Steve Field, the coalition's NHS troubleshooter, is finalising before handing it to the Department of Health. Guardian

Hospitals being charged 'extortionate' sums by PFI sums to carry out basic DIY jobs

Hospitals being charged 'extortionate' sums by PFI sums to carry out basic DIY jobs: Hospitals are being charged "extortionate" sums by private companies for basic DIY such as £240 to replace a padlocks and £466 for new light fittings, official figures disclosed yesterday. Daily Telegraph

New pensions briefing available for RCN members

New pensions briefing available for RCN members: The Royal College of Nursing has produced a briefing on the current pensions proposals to help members and activists understand the current Government offer.