Month: January 2024

Ministerial powers on reconfiguring NHS services

Government guidance which comes into force on 31 January 2024 sets out the process for ministerial intervention in reconfiguration of NHS services, including when and how NHS commissioning bodies must notify the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care of NHS service changes.

Reconfiguring NHS services – ministerial intervention powers – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Improving the mental health of babies, children and young people

The Department of Health and Social Care has published a framework of ‘modifiable factors’ on improving the mental health of babies, children and young people. This document aims to highlight the wide range of modifiable factors that interact to influence the mental health of babies, children and young people; summarise these in a framework and convey opportunities across the life course for promotion and prevention.

Improving the mental health of babies, children and young people: a framework of modifiable factors – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Improving the physical health of people with severe mental illness

NHS England has published new guidance for Integrated Care Systems on improving the physical health of people living with severe mental illness(SMI). People living with SMI have a life expectancy that is 15-20 years shorter than the general population and this disparity is largely due to preventable or treatable physical illnesses.

NHS England » Improving the physical health of people living with severe mental illness