Bulletin 09.02.2010
Pandemic Flu – Claiming DES Payment and HPA Questionnaire
Following a query where some practices thought that the wording in the H1N1 vaccination DES around validation and payment meant that practices had to provide written information to PCOs, the DH has confirmed that this is not the case and if an extraction process (such as the FHSA) is available, then using this route is acceptable. This is outlined in this letter which has been sent to SHAs.
Some practices have received a questionnaire from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to evaluate swine flu vaccine efficacy following confirmed cases of swine flu in their area. This is a sampling exercise and the questionnaire is in effect a ‘Yellow card’ form because the vaccine is new. We believe it would be good practice to fill in such a form, and no fee can be charged by the practice for doing so.
NHS Connecting for Health is undertaking a survey of GPs and their staff to gain an insight into opinions on various parts of the GP IT service. It will be used where appropriate to inform discussions with suppliers and enable service improvements in the most valuable areas. Please spare 10 minutes to complete the survey and there is space at the end to add additional information. It is open until Friday 5 March and can be accessed here.
This is a reminder for a series of BMA 1 day courses that you may find useful. They cover key issues in employment law – managing change, performance and staff. Further details can be found here.