Author: Andy Cowper

Just 14 of the 54 polyclinic contracts announced so far have been won by the private sector. These figures were revealed in a study by Pulse magazine, which also showed that of the contracts announced to date, consortia led by existing NHS GPs and practices had won 18 of the contracts. GP practices applying singly had won four contracts. In December 2008, Pulse reported that month that private companies had submitted almost 1,800 expressions of interest to run GP-led health centres.

A new 19-question surgical checklist developed by the World Health Organisation has been proven to save lives and reduce errors in a year-long, worldwide trial.

The House of Commons Health Select Committee report on Lord Darzi’s NHS Next Stage Review, published today, has elicited mixed responses. The Select Committee report, covered elsewhere on UK News today, has been critical of the management capacity of NHS primary care trusts (PCTs) to achieve the DH’s goal of ‘world-class commissioning’.

Joint guidance from the BMA GP committee and Royal College of GPs has been issued, instructing GP practice on preparations for and operational techniques in the event of a flu pandemic.

A leading health economist has suggested that NICE’s new year’s resolutions should include lowering the cut-off threshold for new drugs from £30,000 per quality adjusted life year gained to £20,000.