Choose and Book workload lifted for Somerset GPs
GPs in Somerset and Dorset have been told they will not need to carry out their own referrals using Choose and Book, and can continue directing their patients towards their existing phone-based referral service. The referral management service is hosted by Somerset Coast PCT and is popular among GPs. It has received central funding from […]
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New IT local delivery plans due by September
Implementation of new NHS IT systems is to become a non-negotiable part of the local delivery plans (LDPs) of every trust and strategic health authority. Each local health community in England is required to submit a new integrated delivery plan by September. The new arrangements mean that NHS organisations will now have to give very […]
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Increase seen in patient booking calls
The call centre set up to deal with Choose and Book appointments is beginning to receive a small number of calls but is calling on GPs to publicise its services more widely. Dilip Chakrabarti, national director of Booking and Choice at NHS Direct, said the Choose and Book Appointments Line (CABAL) is now receiving 120 […]
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PCTs to receive predictive risk software
Software to help identify patients at high risk of readmission to hospital is to be sent out to all primary care trusts next month. The program consists of an algorithm that PCTs can apply to hospital episode statistics (HES) to identify high risk patients with long term conditions. It will take account of the number […]
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Choose and Book adopters to get tech support
The Department of Health is set to launch a high level technical help scheme to support local Choose and Book implementation after lessons from the early adopters showed IT support is vital to success. Jane Cummings, national implementation director, told a conference organised by HSJ this week: “Lots of the issues in the early adopter […]
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QOF publication due despite GP concerns
Publication of individual practice results for the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) is likely to go ahead in England, Wales and Northern Ireland next month despite concerns from GP representatives. The results from three of the four countries in the UK are due to appear more than two months after Scotland became the first to […]
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PACS tomorrow
Daloni Carlisle reports for E-Health Insider on why PACS delivery is slower than expected, and reveals that affordability is mostly to blame.
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Technology key to modernisation, says NHS Confed
Technology, people and improved processes were described as the key tools that can help modernise and improve the NHS at the NHS Confederation’s annual conference yesterday. Rob Webster, the DH’s deputy director of workforce told delegate that better use of technology will be crucial if services are to meet the ambitious Public Sector Agreement targets of realising […]
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Choose and Book set to miss 2005 targets
The government’s targets for the implementation of Choose and Book this year look almost certain to be missed, despite being one of the health department’s key priorities. Continuing problems with clinical engagement and delays in implementing fully integrated Choose and Book systems are two of the key issues holding back roll-out of the system according […]
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Chair of NHS Institute for Innovation named
Dame Yve Buckland has been named as the first chair of the new NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement by health minister, Jane Kennedy. Dame Yve said: "I am thrilled to be appointed to this role; the NHS Institute is an exciting venture which will help to provide an ambitious focus for new ideas, technologies and practices to […]
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