7 items

This week from NHS England

1. Elective Single Point of Access: technical guidance

   NHSE Referrals & hospital services Read at NHS England ↗

   In brief

   Guidance on rolling out elective single point of access: more advice and guidance, digital assessment through e-RS and clear specialist response times. It doesn’t change referral thresholds or override GP clinical judgement.

2. Zero tolerance on unlawful access of patient records

   NHSE IT, data & cyber security, Workforce & employment Read at NHS England ↗

   In brief

   NHS England’s chief executive has written to all NHS organisations, including practices: only open a patient record when there is a genuine professional need. Share the guidance with your team.

3. Multi-neighbourhood training hubs – market engagement

   NHSE PCNs & neighbourhoods, Workforce & employment Read at Find a Tender ↗ Closes: 26 October

   In brief

   NHS England plans to procure multi-neighbourhood training hubs as current contracts end. Prospective bidders can respond through the Atamis portal by 12pm on 26 October.

4. Improving flu vaccination uptake for frontline workers in social care settings

   NHSE Vaccinations & screening Read at NHS England ↗

   In brief

   Practices vaccinating care home or hospice residents can also vaccinate eligible frontline social care staff who have no occupational health scheme, whether or not they are registered.

5. Tech Innovation Framework extension

   NHSE IT, data & cyber security Read at NHS England ↗

   In brief

   The Tech Innovation Framework for buying digital tools is extended to 30 September 2027, with a new GP IT framework to follow.

6. ‘Overwhelmingly positive’ experience of social prescribing and link workers in new research

   NHSE PCNs & neighbourhoods Read at the National Academy for Social Prescribing ↗

   In brief

   Patients Association research with over 100 patients found social prescribing improved wellbeing, confidence and social connections, and suggests how services could improve.

7. New podcast explores primary care’s role in cancer plan delivery

   NHSE Referrals & hospital services Read at NHS England ↗

   In brief

   A Transforming Primary Care podcast episode in which PCN cancer leads discuss how primary care is helping deliver the National Cancer Plan.