Following a recent review within acute providers, we have found further work is required of boards to ensure robust oversight of the Gram negative bloodstream infection agenda.

Boards, please ensure you are compliant with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 by:

• regularly monitoring the occurrence of Gram negative bloodstream infections (including E.coli)
• making your annual IPC report publicly available as part of your board assurance programme.

We have revised the format of the summary reports created using the National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS) explorer tool to help boards and patient safety teams better understand and improve patient safety culture and incident reporting.

Building on the Department of Health and Social Care’s programme, we will be providing intensive support to 50 acute trusts identified as having the greatest potential for improving recovery of overseas visitor income (with those trusts accounting for £43.7 million of the potential £54 million to be recovered).

Our team will intensively assist the trusts in maximising this opportunity, understanding and meeting their legal obligations, and developing best practice. Mental health and community trusts are also receiving support to implement the guidance.

Plotting data over time and using statistical process control (SPC) charts gives a clearer picture of trends and a deeper understanding of what the data means, so you can make better decisions.

We’ve launched Making Data Count, a new interactive guide to help staff at all levels of the NHS generate their own SPC charts.

You can now find your trust planning workbook, containing your 30 April finance plan data, in your trust portal inbox.

This is a pilot to help you understand how we look at your data when assessing plan returns, and your feedback will inform a final version to be used in the 2019/20 annual planning process.

As of 10 May 2018 the Network and Information Systems (NIS) regulations place security and reporting requirements on NHS trusts and foundation trusts, and action can be taken where requirements are not met, including penalties of up to £17 million.

The NIS regulations have been incorporated into the implementation of the National Data Guardian’s ten data security standards and DHSC has produced a guide to the regulations.

Medical directors, please share the CAS alert explaining that prescribers and pharmacists in primary care should no longer prescribe or supply antiviral medicines for the prophylaxis and treatment of influenza on an FP10 prescription form.

Tuesday 29 May – Wednesday 30 May, London

The Mental Health Commissioning Network (MHCN) is hosting a free, two-day international event on urgent and emergency mental healthcare. It will bring together leaders in urgent and emergency mental healthcare from the UK and the USA to share good practice, learn from each other, and develop recommendations to help bring about change.

1,200 people with a learning disability die avoidably every year – on average 15-20 years sooner than the general population. Mencap’s ‘Treat me well’ campaign highlights how simple adjustments in the way we plan and deliver healthcare for people with a learning disability makes a big difference to outcomes.

The campaign calls for training, reasonably adjusted person-centred care, and valuing and respecting the crucial role families and carers can play.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has launched a consultation to help shape a new £4 million programme for new ways of working to reduce serious stress in veterans, their carers and families.

It is likely the programme will support projects that are delivered in partnership between trusts and the voluntary sector. Please share your views.

• Provider bulletin: 9 May 2018