We regularly brief parliamentarians especially before a debate including briefings on:
Budget 2008
Alistair Darling's first Budget announced plans to identify further efficiency savings for the period after the current plans that run from 2007/08 to 2010/11. A Public Value Programme will be a continual effort to find smarter ways of doing business and policy - health sector commissioning has been identified for early investigation. There were inflation increases on tobacco and, following research showing the 5 per cent rating of smoking cessation aids had cut prices and increased take-up, this was made permanent. A yearly increase in alcohol duties 2 per cent above inflation was introduced.
Queen's Speech 2007
The Queen's Speech on Tuesday 6 November confirmed the Government's plans for a new merged regulator of health and social care, as well as a new system for professional regulation. We have prepared a briefing that sets out the main elements - and our views on - the proposed legislation as well as two other Bills that are important for the NHS: the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill and the Climate Change Bill. Read more.
Mental Health Act gains Royal Assent
The Mental Health Act 2007 gained Royal Assent on 19 July. It updates the Mental Health Act 1983 through seven major amendments, and a further eighth amendment updates the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The amendments provide better safeguards for mental health service users, with new rights to advocacy, a say in who their nearest relative is and the right to refuse electro-convulsive therapy and other treatments.
Read the new Act
The NHS Confederation and its Mental Health Network have prepared a briefing for members, which summarises the key points of the new Act and the implications for mental health and other NHS trusts.
Opposition day debate on access to NHS services
Briefing on access to NHS services sent to MPs in advance of the Conservative Party's opposition day debate on the subject.
Briefing: access to NHS services debate
Opposition day debate on reconfiguration of acute hospital services
Briefing on the reform of acute hospital services in advance of the Conservative Party's opposition day debate on the reconfiguration of acute hospital services.
Briefing: reconfiguration debate
White Paper: Trust, Assurance and Safety, The Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century
Following consultation, which included NHS Employers collecting views from and responding on the behalf of employers, the Government has today published three documents aimed at strengthening the future regulation of healthcare professionals and improving patient safety. We welcome this White Paper and its supporting documents, which should improve the quality and safety of care that patients receive from NHS staff.
Read the Response to the White Paper
Local Government and Public Involvement in the NHS Bill 2006/7
Briefing on the Local Government and Public Involvement in the NHS Bill, which received its first reading in the House of Commons on Tuesday 12th December 2006.
NHS Confederation briefing - 1 February 2007
Mental Health Bill 2006
Briefing for politicians on the latest stage of the Mental Health Bill 2006.
NHS Confederation briefing - 4 January 2007
Pre-Budget Report 2006
Briefing regarding Chancellor Gordon Brown's 2006 pre-budget report.
NHS Confederation briefing - 6 December 2006
Queen's Speech 2006
Briefing on 2006 Queen's Speech and its implications for health.
NHS Confederation briefing - 15 November 2006
Strong and Prosperous Communities White Paper
Briefing for MPs on the latest White Paper from the Department for Communities and Local Government.
NHS Confederation briefing - 26 October 2006
Money in the NHS
Why the NHS might be in deficit, where the extra money has been spent and what is already being done by the service to remedy this.
Money in the NHS: the facts
The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and the Mental Capacity Act
Disability Discrimination Act 2005 briefing
Mental Capacity Act briefing
