PbR held back by NHS data failures
A new report into the progress of Payment by Results (PbR) has concluded that problems with the quality and timeliness of data remain significant barriers to the policy having more impact on NHS activity and efficiency. The Audit Commission report, The Right Result,singles out the Secondary Uses Service (SUS), developed by NHS Connecting for Health and […]
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Former IC chief loses tribunal claim
The former head of the NHS Information Centre, who claimed she was made a ‘scapegoat’ for a heavily criticised joint venture between the Department of Health (DH) and information specialists, Dr Foster, has failed to overturn a confidentiality agreement about the case. Professor Denise Lievesley, who was chief executive of the Information Centre (IC) from […]
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Six firms shortlisted for £80m NHS Choices contract
Six companies have reportedly been shortlisted to run the Department of Health’s NHS Choices website, following an OJEU tender process, which came to an end in December. According to HSJ magazine, the six shortlisted companies bidding for the three year, £80m contract, include the current provider Dr Foster Intelligence, the current provider, and much larger […]
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ISPs could do better on data quality
Independent sector providers (ISPs) of NHS care have improved data submissions needed to track quality of care, but there are still ‘significant’ issues requiring attention, a new report says. The report, from the NHS Information Centre, analysed the data quality of submissions and identified key areas for improvement. It says that the data issues need […]
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Ex-IC chief lodges ‘scapegoat’ claim
The former chief executive of the Information Centre (IC) has claimed that she was made a “scapegoat” for the heavily criticised joint venture between the Department of Health (DH) and information specialists, Dr Foster. Professor Denise Lievesley, who left the top post at the IC last year, says in an affidavit submitted to an employment […]
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Information Centre appoints new chief executive
The Information Centre (IC) for health and social care has appointed Tim Straughan, current acting chief executive, as its chief executive. Announcing the appointment, Mike Ramsden, chairman of The IC said: “I’m delighted to announce Tim’s appointment and believe he is the right person to lead The IC as it works to provide even greater […]
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DH to award £80m contract for NHS Choices
The Department of Health has gone out to tender to find a new supplier to run the NHS Choices patient information website, in a lucrative three year deal initially worth £60-80m. The chosen supplier will be expected to generate in excess of 20m hits to the NHS Choices website, together with generating significant revenue from […]
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NHS Direct on a mission to explain
Matt Tee has been CEO of NHS Direct for the past four months, he told us of his plans for the organisation.
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New information chief sought
The hunt is on for a new leader for the NHS Information Centre for Health and Social Care. Advertisements for the chief executive’s job, carrying a salary of £96,235 – £136,755, have been published inviting applications from candidates who can “inspire and lead the organisation, ensuring that it delivers high quality information to frontline NHS and Social […]
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DH blasted for ‘back room deal’ with Dr Foster
The Department of Health ignored procurement guidelines and pursued a ‘back room deal’ on NHS information which was ‘handed to Dr Foster on a plate’, according to a committee of MPs. Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has today heavily criticised the DH for agreeing a joint venture with health informatics company Dr Foster without putting […]
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