Ripping off the sticking plaster: Whole-system solutions for urgent and emergency care

Mounting pressures on England’s urgent and emergency care services have been well documented in local and national media over recent months. This report from the NHS Confederation acts as a roadmap to the fundamental changes required to create a sustainable and high-quality urgent and emergency care system that can meet the needs of patients now and in the future.

Health and care systems fit for an ageing population

This report published by the Kings Fund sets out a framework and tools to help local service leaders improve the care they provide for older people.

NHS standard contract supporting documents

NHS England has published documents for use with the NHS standard contract. They include agreements for collaborative commissioning, and agreements and guidance covering contract variations.

Challenges and improvements in diagnostic services across seven days

Hospitals and primary and community care organisations are working together to look at ways of delivering safe and effective care seven days a week. NHS IQ has published a report on the potential improvements in diagnostics and scientific services.

CQC new approach to hospitals inspection: initial findings from wave 1 inspections

This report contains findings from 18 pilot hospital inspections completed in 2013, the first step in a change to the CQC's approach to inspections. Inspectors found significant variations in quality between trusts and even between services within trusts, and that apart from critical care and maternity, most services cannot demonstrate whether they are delivering effective care or not.

Review of CQC approach to inspecting hospitals

The Care Quality Commission has published findings from an independent review of its new approach to inspecting hospitals.

Better reporting of medical incidents

These alerts from NHS England and the MHRA instruct providers on steps to improve data report quality and the need for national networks to share learning and develop guidance.

New Foundation Trust documents

Monitor has recently published the following documents for foundation trusts:

· NHS Foundation Trust Annual Reporting Manual 2013/14

· Your duties: a brief guide for NHS foundation trust governors

· Revised: NHS Foundation Trust Accounting Officer Memorandum