First Women’s Health Strategy for England to tackle the gender health gap

Women and girls across England will benefit from improved healthcare following the publication of the first-ever government-led Women’s Health Strategy for England. Following a call for evidence which generated almost 100,000 responses from individuals across England, and building on Our Vision for Women’s Health, the strategy sets bold ambitions to tackle deep-rooted, systemic issues within the health and care system to improve the health and wellbeing of women, and reset how the health and care system listens to women.

Read the strategy in full on Gov.UK

Improving the lives of people with Down’s syndrome

People with Down’s syndrome, their families, professionals and charities are being invited to answer the Government’s call for evidence to shape new guidance for authorities to follow. The guidance will help to ensure those with Down’s syndrome receive the care and support they need to live longer, happier and healthier lives. Life expectancy has increased from around 13 years to almost 60 within a generation. Tailored support is required to meet additional health, education, care and housing needs.

Contribute to the call for evidence here

Developing a framework for delegated healthcare interventions

Deborah Sturdy, Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care and Oonagh Smyth, Chief Executive of Skills for Care are “delighted to announce the development of a national framework for delegated healthcare interventions to formalise delegation from nurses to care workers.” Delegations to care for colleagues happen daily. While there are many examples of good practice, application varies across the country, with differing protocols, structures and processes.  Deborah and Oonagh are leading work with Health Education England, NHS England and partners across the care sector to deliver the framework, setting out guiding principles to delivering healthcare interventions safely and effectively across all care settings.

Read Deborah and Oonagh’s blog to find out more

New health and social care hub launches in Leeds

A new health and social care hub has launched in the Leeds area, bringing together the Department of Health and Social Care and various local partners to improve health outcomes across the region. The hub brings together a community of experts to improve healthcare. Members of the public, private and third-sector organisations, including the NHS, local government, universities and other health organisations, will work to tackle health disparities and improve employment opportunities in the care and health sectors

Find out more on GOV.UK

NHS-funded nursing care research published

The NHS-funded nursing care (FNC) rate is the contribution provided by the NHS to care homes with nursing to support the provision of nursing care. In May, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced an increase in this rate and a retrospective increase for the 2021- 2022 financial year. The rates are based on new research conducted by DHSC. Further information on the approach and findings is on GOV.UK. A big thank you to all nursing care home providers who made the time and effort to take part in the research.

Read the evidence in full on GOV.UK

Transforming Social Care: all your questions answered in one place

A reminder to visit Transforming Social Care, the website for anyone keen to learn more about the future of social care in England.

The Government has a long-term vision of putting people and families at the heart of its services. It is a vision promoting independence and community living, as well as providing more support for the adult social care workforce. 

Visit the site to learn more about what’s changing and how the reforms will benefit you.

Read more about social care reform on GOV.UK

Capacity Tracker: the data you’ll need to provide from 31 July

From 31 July 2022 and until further notice, mandatory questions in the Capacity Tracker must be completed each month. Details of the data needed are provided in this comprehensive note.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted challenges in bringing data sets together to effectively manage outbreaks, emerging risks and other issues. Robust intelligence is needed so local and national governments can provide oversight and support where needed.

Guidance has also been published to support care providers with this new requirement.

Read the guidance in full on GOV.UK