Feature / Technical round-up

The Department of Health has published the fourth interim report on personal health budgets, focusing on the early experiences of budget holders. The report found some were already experiencing benefits, though there were issues to be resolved. Information about how personal budgets could be used was crucial, it added. ?

Audit Scotland has made a number of changes to its performance audit programme for 2012/13 following a consultation with stakeholders. An audit of GP prescribing will now take place later than planned, while an examination of outsourced contracts will move forward. The audit body said the consultation showed strong support for the proposed topics and the five strategic themes that underpin its performance audit work. ?

Up to £2.6m will be available to support NHS volunteering and social action projects in 2012 under the health and social care volunteering fund, health minister Paul Burstow said. The funding will be given to projects that meet one of four key themes: improving health and social care; delivering better health outcomes; improving public health; and a patient-led NHS. Mr Burstow approved 51 projects for 2011 with a combined value of £2.5m.

Information for all NHS bodies participating in the pilot restatement exercise for the 2011/12 accounts has been place in a new section of the online NHS finance manual. Documents include pilot guidance, questionnaire and a Q&A. ?

The Audit Commission has published the results of its internal quality monitoring programme alongside quality reviews of work by external inspectors. The commission said Transparency report 2011: audit practice demonstrated its commitment to audit quality; provided assurance to clients and stakeholders; and allowed comparisons between auditors. ?

Scottish health secretary Nicola Sturgeon has agreed an interim deal covering payments to ambulance staff who respond to an emergency call while on a rest break. The three-month deal for ‘category A’ calls will give ambulance staff an annual payment of £250 (pro rata), and, if their break is disturbed, a guaranteed rest break and a payment of £100. Ms Sturgeon called on the ambulance service and unions to forge a permanent agreement before the interim arrangement ended. ?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has proposed a number of minor changes to its fees for 2012/13. These fees cover the CQC’s work in registering providers and monitoring their compliance with government standards of safety and quality. The main proposal is an extension of the scheme to primary care out-of-hours providers. ?» Read more ?

The Scottish government has updated its guidance on the reimbursement of out of pocket expenses for volunteers within NHS Scotland. The revised guidance reflects changes introduced by HM Revenue and Customs in relation to the approved mileage allowance payments, which are applicable from 6 April 2011.