Survey: The Commissioning of Hospice Care in England in 2015

Between April and May 2015, Help the Hospices undertook a survey of member hospices to establish a picture of how NHS commissioning arrangements were impacting on hospice funding.  The report identifies a number of concerns, including increasing complexity in the commissioning environment, ongoing uncertainty around the sustainability of statutory funding, and continuing funding cuts and frozen budgets.  The report recommends a series of actions for government, NHS England, CCGs and local authorities.

Help the Hospices, July 2014.  The Commissioning of Hospice Care in England in 2014/2015. Help the Hospices.

To download the report click here

Guidance: Risk Assessment: a brief guide to controlling risk in the workplace

Published in August 2014 by the Health and Safety Executive, this revised leaflet aims to help employers  identify, assess and control health and safety risks associated with workplace hazards.  The new guidance makes clear that only significant findings need to be recorded and emphasises the importance of controlling the risks identified.  The guidance replaces the previous leaflet ‘Five steps to risk assessment’.

Health & Safety Executive, July 2014.  Risk Assessment: a brief guide to controlling risk in the workplace.  HSE.

Available to download here

Guidance: VAT refund scheme for hospices - detailed Q&A

This Q&A guidance from Hospice UK provides information on the VAT refund scheme for palliative care charities which enables hospices and palliative care charities to reclaim the VAT they incur on purchases made to support their non-business activities.

Hospice UK, 2015.  VAT refund scheme for hospices - detailed Q&A. 

Click here to download the Q&A

Click here to view the full guidance from HMRC: VAT Notice 1001 VAT refund for certain charities

Report: Multiple and multidemensional transitions: understanding the life transitions for young adults cared for by CHAS and the impact on their parents, siblings and health professionals.

The report sought to better understand the life transitions of young adults with life-limiting illnesses and their families cared for by Children's Hospices Association Scotland (CHAS).  It found that the young adults' medical conditions impacted on several other areas of their life, including their plans for the future, education, employment and relationships.  The report also indicated that children’s hospices may not be best suited to meet the wide variety of needs that young adults (between the ages of 15 and 25) have. The research was carried out by Dundee and Nottingham Universities.

Summary available to download here

Healthcare Briefing - CQC's approach to Duty of Candour

This 2 page healthcare briefing has been designed to be read in conjunction with the CQC's document on meeting the statutory requirements in relation to Duty of Candour within the NHS and independent sector.   It oulines the process the CQC are proposing to follow and what will take place during an inspection.  

Radcliffe Le Brasseur, May 2015.  Healthcare Briefing - CQC's approach to Duty of Candour

Click  here to download the Briefing

Click here to download the CQC Regulation 20: Duty of Candour - Information for Healthcare Providers

Guidance: Professional duty of Candour

The statutory Duty of Candour which has been in force for NHS bodies for over six months, was extended to non-NHS providers in April 2015.  This guidance written by the Nursing & Midwifery Council and General Medical Council sets out how healthcare professionals should apply the Duty of Candour on an individual basis.

NMC & GMC, 2015.  Openness and honesty when things go wrong: the professional duty of candour.

Click here  to download guidance

Report: Charity Investment Spotlight Bi-annual report June 2015

The report examines the investment performance of the top 5,000 charities and their investment managers over the last 5 years.

Charity Financials.  Charity Investment Spotlight Bi-Annual Report June 2015.  Wilmington Group.

To request a copy, contact the library

Article: Volunteer activity in specialist paediatric palliative care: a national survey

This survey assessed the involvment of volunteers with direct patient/family contact in UK pallaitive care services for children and young people.  A total of 21 providers, covering 31 hospice services responded, revealing an average of 25 volunteers having direct patient/family contact.  Areas of particular involvement were complementary therapy services and pastorl/faith-based care, along with emotional support and recreational activities.  The survey highlights the range and depth of involvement and provides a basis for future research.

Burbeck, R., Low, J., Sampson, E., Scott, R., Bravery, R. & Candy.  2015. Volunteer activity in specialist paediatric palliative care: a national survey.  BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. 5 (3) p 287 - 293.

To request a copy, click here and return form to library.

Guidance: The essential trustee - what you need to know, what you need to do

Updated in July 2015, the guidance explains the key duties of all trustees of charities in England and Wales, and what trustees need to do to carry out these duties competently.

Click here to access guidance

Article: Hospices working collaboratively to improve training

In south London, adult and children’s hospices are working together to provide a range of training for their own staff and volunteers as well as other local health and social care professionals. Project manager Berit Moback explains how it was set up and talks about the benefits and challenges.

Click here to access article from eHospice.