VOLUME 35 AUTUMN 2011
Introduction
Welcome to the 35th edition of Medendium, the twice-yearly handbook that brings together information on who is working where in the NHS with other useful information to support you in 'working together for patients'.
The Health and Social Care Bill was introduced into Parliament on 19 January 2011. The Bill is a key part of the government's vision to modernise the NHS so that it is built around patients, led by health professionals, and focused on delivering world-class healthcare outcomes.
One of the central features of the Bill is to devolve commissioning responsibilities and budgets as far as possible to those who are considered best placed to act as patients' advocates and support them in their healthcare choices. The aim is to empower GP practices to come together in wider groupings, to commission care on their patients' behalf and manage NHS resources.
There is already significant change occurring within the SHAs, PCTs and Clinical Commissioning Groups as these organisations prepare themselves for the new commissioning arrangements. Medendium is committed to tracking these developments and each edition will be fully updated accordingly. Significant new additions in this edition include:
Information sources
To produce this edition of Medendium we have worked closely with many individuals and organisations. In particular we would like to thank the following for their contributions and advice:
- John Rafferty, Department of Health
- Mike Ramsden, National Association of Primary Care
- Michael Sobanja, Head of Public Affairs, NHS Alliance
- Mike King, Head of Professional Development, Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee
The information in this publication has been provided by the organisations and individuals concerned, or obtained from sources in the public domain. While great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content of Medendium, the publishers cannot accept liability for any errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.
Medendium aims to be a networking tool for those working with and within primary care to enable them to exchange ideas, information and best practice. It is published twice yearly in spring and autumn, ensuring that the information is both accurate and timely. The content has been organised to reflect the different national structures within the NHS.
We would like to thank all of those who have contributed to this edition.
DH Best Practice Guidance, NHS and Industry Joint Initiatives, and GMS Contract have been summarised from the original documents.
Clinical Network information has been provided by the relevant organisations or obtained from sources within the public domain.
Agencies and Bodies, and Directorates information has been provided by the relevant organisations.
Health Authority contacts have been provided by the relevant organisation.
Local Pharmaceutical Committee contacts have been provided by the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee.
NHS Trust information has been obtained from each trust or from sources within the public domain. Hospital, community, mental health and learning disability trusts are entered in alphabetical order. Ambulance trusts are listed similarly in their own section.
Primary Care Trust, Primary Care Organisation, and Clinical Commissioning Group information has been provided by the relevant organisations or obtained from sources within the public domain.
eMedendium.co.uk (6 February, 2012)