General

Suspension of Quarterly A&E data return
Initial findings, following the closure of the Fundamental Review of Data Returns consultation, suggest that any user needs for the quarterly A&E publication are outweighed by the data burden on the NHS. Pending the conclusion of the review and the publication of the Department's response to the consultation, this return will be suspended from 1st January 2012. In the event that the Department's final response should conclude that this collection should continue, this return will be re-instated. The Department will continue to publish weekly data on A&E attendances and waiting times.

Crowding in the Emergency Department - best practice guideline to assist managers and clinicians who are trying to reduce crowding in their hospital Emergency Departments. The guideline explains the causes and consequences of crowding. This guideline offers suggestions to reduce the effects of crowding and improve the safety of an Emergency Department.

Payments by Results 2012/13 - The final 2012-13 Payments by Results package has been published by the Department of Health in England. This comes into effect from 1st April 2012. There are five Emergency care tariffs for services delivered in EDs and minor injury units (MIUs), spread over 11 HRG classifications based on investigation and treatment. In addition, best practice tariffs have been introduced for a number of emergency clinical scenarios. The aim is to promote management of these scenarios on a same day basis in an ambulatory emergency care manner. See Casemix - how your ED is paid for a summary and link to full details

Latest issue of NPSA Signals - Emerging issues from national review of serious patient safety incidents