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    <title><![CDATA[West Midlands QI - Latest News]]></title>
    <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news</link>
    <description><![CDATA[The latest news from West Midlands QI]]></description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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      <title><![CDATA[West Midlands QI - Latest News]]></title>
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      <title><![CDATA[Guidance for NHS trusts on the NHS friends and family test]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/guidance-for-nhs-trusts-on-the-nhs-friends-and-family-test</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/guidance-for-nhs-trusts-on-the-nhs-friends-and-family-test</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Guidance for NHS trusts on the NHS friends and family test has been published today by the Department of Health.  The guidance details the background, requirements and implications of putting into practice a national friends and family test within the NHS. It aims to support those who will be implementing this work.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[CQC - Community Mental Health Survey 2012]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-community-mental-health-survey-2012</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-community-mental-health-survey-2012</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have released the results of their latest survey looking at the experiences of people receiving community mental health services.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Organisation Patient Safety Incident Reports]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/organisation-patient-safety-incident-reports</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/organisation-patient-safety-incident-reports</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The eighth release of the Organisation Patient Safety Incident Reports data for NHS organisations in England and Wales took place on Wednesday 12 September 2012.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Patient survey suggests benefit from common procedures varies markedly by NHS provider]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/patient-survey-suggests-benefit-from-common-procedures-varies-markedly-by-nhs-provider</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/patient-survey-suggests-benefit-from-common-procedures-varies-markedly-by-nhs-provider</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Comparative annual Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) results have been published for first time suggesting that the level of health benefit patients feel they gain from common procedures varies markedly between NHS providers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Explaining variation in use of emergency hospital beds by patients over 65]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/explaining-variation-in-use-of-emergency-hospital-beds-by-patients-over-65</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/explaining-variation-in-use-of-emergency-hospital-beds-by-patients-over-65</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This paper explores factors that might be driving the significant variation in use of hospital beds by patients over 65 admitted as an emergency.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[End of Life Care Local Authority Profiles 2012]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/end-of-life-care-local-authority-profiles-2012</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/end-of-life-care-local-authority-profiles-2012</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The End of Life Care Local Authority Profiles 2012 present over 50 indicators for each local authority in England. They include social care indicators for the first time.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[How to measure for improving outcomes: a guide for commissioners]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/how-to-measure-for-improving-outcomes-a-guide-for-commissioners</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/how-to-measure-for-improving-outcomes-a-guide-for-commissioners</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Under the Health and Social Care Act, the NHS Commissioning Board and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) will be accountable for improving health and treatment outcomes in the NHS.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NICE reveals its recommended measures for the NHS Commissioning Outcomes Framework]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nice-reveals-its-recommended-measures-for-the-nhs-commissioning-outcomes-framework</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nice-reveals-its-recommended-measures-for-the-nhs-commissioning-outcomes-framework</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[NICE and the NHS Information Centre for Health and Social Care have published their recommendations for which health care measures are suitable to go in the Commissioning Outcomes Framework for 2013/14.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS local - Launch of GP Performance & Opinion]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-local-launch-of-gp-performance-opinion</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-local-launch-of-gp-performance-opinion</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[NHS local have launched the GP section of its Performance & Opinion service, an online tool which provides official performance and satisfaction data for each GP practice in the West Midlands, alongside comments and suggestions from patients.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Independent experts set out recommendations to improve children and young people’s health results]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/independent-experts-set-out-recommendations-to-improve-children-and-young-peoples-health-results</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/independent-experts-set-out-recommendations-to-improve-children-and-young-peoples-health-results</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Children and Young People’s Health Outcomes Forum has published its proposals on how health-related care for children and young people can be improved.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Guides to monitoring quality during transition published]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/guides-to-monitoring-quality-during-transition-published</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/guides-to-monitoring-quality-during-transition-published</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[A series of “How to” guides to assist current NHS organisations, and their supervisory and regulatory bodies, to respond to quality risks and failures within a simple and single framework during this transition year has been produced.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Preparing for the Francis report: How to assure quality in the NHS]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/preparing-for-the-francis-report-how-to-assure-quality-in-the-nhs</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/preparing-for-the-francis-report-how-to-assure-quality-in-the-nhs</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The national structures and systems designed to assure the quality of care delivered by the NHS are currently under intense scrutiny.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[New report shines a light on the quality of data across health and social care]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-report-shines-a-light-on-the-quality-of-data-across-health-and-social-care</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-report-shines-a-light-on-the-quality-of-data-across-health-and-social-care</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[A new report published for the first time by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) shines a light on the quality of data across health and social care.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[WMCIU Publications: Cancer Survival in the West Midlands]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/wmciu-publications-cancer-survival-in-the-west-midlands</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/wmciu-publications-cancer-survival-in-the-west-midlands</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit (WMCIU) have recently published 2 reports and as always, they welcome feedback on their publications, and are happy to discuss any questions they raise in more detail. Please do not hesitate to contact Tim Evans on 0121 414 4274, or email tim.evans@wmciu.nhs.uk to discuss these reports.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Preventable deaths due to problems in care in English acute hospitals: a retrospective case record review study]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/preventable-deaths-due-to-problems-in-care-in-english-acute-hospitals-a-retrospective-case-record-review-study</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/preventable-deaths-due-to-problems-in-care-in-english-acute-hospitals-a-retrospective-case-record-review-study</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Around 12,000 deaths in acute hospitals in England each year could be prevented, suggests a data analysis published online in BMJ Quality and Safety.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Health Secretary’s annual report on the NHS and public health published]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/health-secretarys-annual-report-on-the-nhs-and-public-health-published</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/health-secretarys-annual-report-on-the-nhs-and-public-health-published</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Secretary of State’s annual report has been published, a year earlier than is required by law, in order to enable Parliament and the public to see the direction the NHS is heading.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Consultation on new care objectives for improving health and healthcare]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/consultation-on-new-care-objectives-for-improving-health-and-healthcare</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/consultation-on-new-care-objectives-for-improving-health-and-healthcare</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[New objectives for the improvement of health and healthcare have been set out for public consultation.

‘Our NHS care objectives: a draft mandate to the NHS Commissioning Board’, sets out Health Secretary Andrew Lansley’s expectations for the health service and marks the move to a more patient-centred, independent, transparent and outcomes focused NHS.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Lung Cancer Map]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/lung-cancer-map</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/lung-cancer-map</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This interactive map shows how your local area has performed in the delivery of key aspects of care for lung cancer patients.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Health Information Week: 2-8 July 2012]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/health-information-week-28-july-2012</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/health-information-week-28-july-2012</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Health Information Week is a region-wide, multi-sector campaign to promote the good quality health resources that are available to the public. This should encourage partnership working across sectors and benefit all staff and the public by raising awareness of the resources that are available to them.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS Midlands and East: The Patient Revolution]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-midlands-and-east-the-patient-revolution</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-midlands-and-east-the-patient-revolution</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[NHS Midlands and East have agreed a Patient Revolution ambition to create a revolution in patient and customer experience.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Mortality rate in sufferers of serious mental illness three times as high as in the general population]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/mortality-rate-in-sufferers-of-serious-mental-illness-three-times-as-high-as-in-the-general-population</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/mortality-rate-in-sufferers-of-serious-mental-illness-three-times-as-high-as-in-the-general-population</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[People between the ages of 18 and 74 inclusive with serious mental illness have a mortality rate three times as high as the general population, new data from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) show.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[CQC Market Report]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-market-report</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-market-report</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Care Quality Commission (CQC) have published the first of their quarterly Market Reports. In these reports, they will publish information on the results of their day-to-day inspection work. This information can help you find out more about the quality and safety of different types of care across England.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[2012 Local Health Profiles]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/2012-local-health-profiles</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/2012-local-health-profiles</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The 2012 Local Health Profiles, produced by the Public Health Observatories of England working in partnership, were released on 26 June 2012, according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Ambulance response times: all trusts meet eight minute national standard for first time]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/ambulance-response-times-all-trusts-meet-eight-minute-national-standard-for-first-time</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/ambulance-response-times-all-trusts-meet-eight-minute-national-standard-for-first-time</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Every single ambulance trust in England for the first time has met the national standard for responding to emergency calls in eight minutes, Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) figures show.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Associations between internet-based patient ratings and conventional surveys of patient experience in the English NHS: an observational study]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/associations-between-internetbased-patient-ratings-and-conventional-surveys-of-patient-experience-in-the-english-nhs-an-observational-study</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/associations-between-internetbased-patient-ratings-and-conventional-surveys-of-patient-experience-in-the-english-nhs-an-observational-study</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Unsolicited web-based comments by patients regarding their healthcare are increasing, but controversial. The relationship between such online patient reports and conventional measures of patient experience (obtained via survey) is not known.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Atlas of Variation in Healthcare - Kidney Disease and Diabetes]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/atlas-of-variation-in-healthcare-kidney-disease-and-diabetes</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/atlas-of-variation-in-healthcare-kidney-disease-and-diabetes</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Right Care has published the Atlas of Variation in Healthcare for People with Kidney Disease and the Atlas of Variation in Healthcare for People with Diabetes.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[GP Patient Survey, July – September 2011 and January – March 2012 aggregate results]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/gp-patient-survey-july-september-2011-and-january-march-2012-aggregate-results</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/gp-patient-survey-july-september-2011-and-january-march-2012-aggregate-results</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Department of Health (DH), together with Ipsos MORI, has published the latest Official Statistics from the GP Patient Survey.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The 15 Steps Challenge: Quality from a patient’s perspective]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-15-steps-challenge-quality-from-a-patients-perspective</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-15-steps-challenge-quality-from-a-patients-perspective</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The 15 Steps Challenge is part of the resources available for the Productive Care workstream.  It is a toolkit that was co-produced with patients, relatives, volunteers, staff, governors and senior leaders, to help look at hospital care through the eyes of patients and relatives, helping to hear and see what good looks like.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The family and friends test: will hospitals raise their game?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-family-and-friends-test-will-hospitals-raise-their-game</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-family-and-friends-test-will-hospitals-raise-their-game</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Taken from the King's Fund blog this article considers what effect the family and friends test will have on hospitals.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[GP practice data and comparative tool available to patients and professionals]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/gp-practice-data-and-comparative-tool-available-to-patients-and-professionals</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/gp-practice-data-and-comparative-tool-available-to-patients-and-professionals</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The publication of GP practice data aims to provide the public with information on services they access on a regular basis, enabling individuals to make informed choices and decisions. GP practices are usually the main or first port of call for patients seeking health care advice or treatment within the NHS.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[How is the NHS performing? May 2012 quarterly monitoring report]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/how-is-the-nhs-performing-may-2012-quarterly-monitoring-report</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/how-is-the-nhs-performing-may-2012-quarterly-monitoring-report</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This quarter’s monitoring report published by the King's Fund looks back at how the NHS performed during the first year of the spending squeeze.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Friends and Family Test: what it means for NHS]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/friends-and-family-test-what-it-means-for-nhs</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/friends-and-family-test-what-it-means-for-nhs</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Following the recent announcement by the Prime Minister of a ‘Friends and Family Test’ to be implemented in the NHS, in response to recommendations by the Nursing Care Quality Forum, the Department of Health has issued more information about the test.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Cancer Awareness Profiles - World No Tobacco Day]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cancer-awareness-profiles-world-no-tobacco-day</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cancer-awareness-profiles-world-no-tobacco-day</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Thursday 31 May 2012 is 'World no Tobacco Day', which encourages a 24-hour period of abstinence from all tobacco consumption and to draw attention to the widespread use of tobacco which contributes to 5.4million deaths globally.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[‘Friends and family’ test aims to improve patient care and identify best performing hospitals]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/friends-and-family-test-aims-to-improve-patient-care-and-identify-best-performing-hospitals</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/friends-and-family-test-aims-to-improve-patient-care-and-identify-best-performing-hospitals</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[An NHS ‘friends and family’ test to improve patient care and identify the best performing hospitals in England has been announced by Prime Minister David Cameron.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Guidance to support the NHS in implementing the NHS Safety Thermometer published]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/guidance-to-support-the-nhs-in-implementing-the-nhs-safety-thermometer-published</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/guidance-to-support-the-nhs-in-implementing-the-nhs-safety-thermometer-published</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Department of Health has published guidance to support the NHS in implementing the NHS Safety Thermometer.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[New End of Life Care Profiles for each Primary Care Trust (PCT) in England]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-end-of-life-care-profiles-for-each-primary-care-trust-pct-in-england</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-end-of-life-care-profiles-for-each-primary-care-trust-pct-in-england</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The National End of Life Care Intelligence Network (NEoLCIN) has launched new End of Life Care Profiles for each Primary Care Trust (PCT) in England.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Nursing and Care Quality Forum make recommendations to Prime Minister]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nursing-and-care-quality-forum-make-recommendations-to-prime-minister</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nursing-and-care-quality-forum-make-recommendations-to-prime-minister</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Nursing and Care Quality Forum’s initial recommendations to the Prime Minister have been published.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[How to maintain quality during the transition – preparing for handover guide published]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/how-to-maintain-quality-during-the-transition-preparing-for-handover-guide-published</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/how-to-maintain-quality-during-the-transition-preparing-for-handover-guide-published</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[A ‘how to’ guide setting out the steps to be taken to ensure that any risk to quality is reduced and that business continuity is maintained is published. It ensures that information about quality is not lost as organisations change.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Provisional Monthly Hospital Episode Statistics for Admitted patient care, outpatient and Accident & Emergency data: April 2011 - January 2012]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-monthly-hospital-episode-statistics-for-admitted-patient-care-outpatient-and-accident-emergency-data-april-2011-january-2012</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-monthly-hospital-episode-statistics-for-admitted-patient-care-outpatient-and-accident-emergency-data-april-2011-january-2012</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) is a data warehouse containing records of all patients admitted to NHS hospitals in England. It contains details of inpatient care, outpatient appointments and A&E attendance records.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Adult Critical Care data in England - April 2010 to March 2011: Experimental Statistics]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/adult-critical-care-data-in-england-april-2010-to-march-2011-experimental-statistics</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/adult-critical-care-data-in-england-april-2010-to-march-2011-experimental-statistics</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This is the third publication of adult critical care data, which forms part of Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) and is collected as part of the Critical Care Minimum Data Set (CCMDS). It covers critical care periods ending between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011, and draws on records submitted by providers as an attachment to the inpatient record.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Diabetes healthcare has reached state of crisis]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/diabetes-healthcare-has-reached-state-of-crisis</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/diabetes-healthcare-has-reached-state-of-crisis</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Diabetes healthcare in England has drifted into a "state of crisis" where less than half of people with the condition are getting the basic minimum care they need, a new report has warned.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Hospitals make nearly four thousand medication errors in one week for inpatients with diabetes]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/hospitals-make-nearly-four-thousand-medication-errors-in-one-week-for-inpatients-with-diabetes</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/hospitals-make-nearly-four-thousand-medication-errors-in-one-week-for-inpatients-with-diabetes</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Nearly one in three hospital patients with diabetes are affected by errors which can result in dangerously high blood glucose levels, according to a national audit report released today.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Referral to Treatment Waiting Times Statistics]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/referral-to-treatment-waiting-times-statistics</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/referral-to-treatment-waiting-times-statistics</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The latest Referral To Treatment (RTT) waiting times statistics, which monitor the length of time from referral through to treatment, have been released.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS Dental Statistics for England 2011/12, Third quarterly report]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-dental-statistics-for-england-201112-third-quarterly-report</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-dental-statistics-for-england-201112-third-quarterly-report</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This quarterly report brings together information on NHS dental activity in England up to Q3 2011/12 and information on the number of patients seen by an NHS dentist, up to the fourth quarter of 2011/12.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Primary Care: Today and Tomorrow - Improving general practice by working differently]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/primary-care-today-and-tomorrow-improving-general-practice-by-working-differently</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/primary-care-today-and-tomorrow-improving-general-practice-by-working-differently</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Primary Care: Today and Tomorrow’, examines the capacity and capability of general practice now and in the future, with a focus on GPs and general practice nurses.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[An Outcomes Strategy for COPD and Asthma: NHS Companion Document]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/an-outcomes-strategy-for-copd-and-asthma-nhs-companion-document</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/an-outcomes-strategy-for-copd-and-asthma-nhs-companion-document</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Outcomes Strategy for COPD and Asthma set the high-level direction for all parts of the health and care system, and other government departments and agencies, to fundamentally improve the quality and outcomes for people with COPD and asthma.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[What do we know now that we didn't know a year ago?: New intelligence on end of life care in England]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/what-do-we-know-now-that-we-didnt-know-a-year-ago-new-intelligence-on-end-of-life-care-in-england</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/what-do-we-know-now-that-we-didnt-know-a-year-ago-new-intelligence-on-end-of-life-care-in-england</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[New report captures the latest information on end of life care in England – the good and the bad.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Provisional Monthly Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in England - April 2011 to December 2011: Pre- and post-operative data]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-monthly-patient-reported-outcome-measures-proms-in-england-april-2011-to-december-2011-pre-and-postoperative-data</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-monthly-patient-reported-outcome-measures-proms-in-england-april-2011-to-december-2011-pre-and-postoperative-data</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This is the latest publication of provisional post-operatives scores from the Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) programme for the period April 2011 to December 2011.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Guidance on new national CQUIN goals]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/guidance-on-new-national-cquin-goals</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/guidance-on-new-national-cquin-goals</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) payment framework enables commissioners to reward excellence by linking a proportion of providers’ income to the achievement of local quality improvement goals.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Provisional Accident and Emergency Quality Indicators for England - Experimental statistics by provider for December 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-accident-and-emergency-quality-indicators-for-england-experimental-statistics-by-provider-for-december-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-accident-and-emergency-quality-indicators-for-england-experimental-statistics-by-provider-for-december-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[In April 2011 a new set of clinical quality indicators was introduced to replace the previous four hour waiting time standard, and measure the quality of care delivered in A&E departments in England.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Patient Experience Benchmarker Tool]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/patient-experience-benchmarker-tool</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/patient-experience-benchmarker-tool</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The patient experience benchmarker allows users to investigate answers to the inpatient survey questions across six years, benchmarked against similar trusts and regional or national scores.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[CQC surprise home care inspections underway]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-surprise-home-care-inspections-underway</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-surprise-home-care-inspections-underway</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Care Quality Commission (CCQ) has embarked on a special programme of 250 unannounced inspections of home care services.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[From vision to action: Making patient-centred care a reality]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/from-vision-to-action-making-patientcentred-care-a-reality</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/from-vision-to-action-making-patientcentred-care-a-reality</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This article is the collective effort of ten of the leading health and social care organisations in the voluntary sector.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Patient Experience Overall Measure – update to include 2011 Inpatient Survey results]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/patient-experience-overall-measure-update-to-include-2011-inpatient-survey-results</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/patient-experience-overall-measure-update-to-include-2011-inpatient-survey-results</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This publication updates the patient experience scores last updated on 14 February 2011. These statistics use questions from a 2011 survey of adult inpatients to produce an updated set of five domain scores out of 100.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI) - Deaths associated with hospitalisation, England, October 2010 - September 2011, Experimental Statistics]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/summary-hospitallevel-mortality-indicator-shmi-deaths-associated-with-hospitalisation-england-october-2010-september-2011-experimental-statistics</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/summary-hospitallevel-mortality-indicator-shmi-deaths-associated-with-hospitalisation-england-october-2010-september-2011-experimental-statistics</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This is the third publication of the Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Audit Commission wants new datasets]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/audit-commission-wants-new-datasets</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/audit-commission-wants-new-datasets</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Audit Commission has criticised existing NHS datasets for failing to reflect what is happening to patients.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Results of the latest CQC inpatient survey]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/results-of-the-latest-cqc-inpatient-survey</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/results-of-the-latest-cqc-inpatient-survey</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The CQC have published the findings from the Inpatient survey 2011, which looked at the experiences of over 70,000 people who were admitted to NHS hospitals around England.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS Outcomes Framework indicators - April 2012 release, England]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-outcomes-framework-indicators-april-2012-release-england</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-outcomes-framework-indicators-april-2012-release-england</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The NHS Outcomes Framework indicators form part of the NHS Outcomes Framework.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Development of an evidence-based framework of factors contributing to patient safety incidents in hospital settings: a systematic review]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/development-of-an-evidencebased-framework-of-factors-contributing-to-patient-safety-incidents-in-hospital-settings-a-systematic-review</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/development-of-an-evidencebased-framework-of-factors-contributing-to-patient-safety-incidents-in-hospital-settings-a-systematic-review</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The aim of this systematic review was to develop a ‘contributory factors framework’ from a synthesis of empirical work which summarises factors contributing to patient safety incidents in hospital settings.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Out-of-hours comparison tool launched]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/outofhours-comparison-tool-launched</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/outofhours-comparison-tool-launched</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Data on the quality of out-of-hours services can be easily compared by commissioners and providers using an online benchmark tool that goes live today, Thursday 19 April 2012.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Nursing and Care Quality Forum outlines work to improve nursing care]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nursing-and-care-quality-forum-outlines-work-to-improve-nursing-care</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nursing-and-care-quality-forum-outlines-work-to-improve-nursing-care</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Nursing and Care Quality Forum, which aims to improve the quality of nursing care across all care settings, met Prime Minister David Cameron and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley on Tuesday 17 April 2012 to discuss the work the Forum will deliver.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Provisional Monthly Hospital Episode Statistics for Admitted patient care, outpatient and Accident & Emergency data: January 2011 -December 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-monthly-hospital-episode-statistics-for-admitted-patient-care-outpatient-and-accident-emergency-data-january-2011-december-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-monthly-hospital-episode-statistics-for-admitted-patient-care-outpatient-and-accident-emergency-data-january-2011-december-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) is a data warehouse containing records of all patients admitted to NHS hospitals in England. It contains details of inpatient care, outpatient appointments and A&E attendance records.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Provisional Monthly Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in England - April 2010 to March 2011. Pre- and post-operative data]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-monthly-patient-reported-outcome-measures-proms-in-england-april-2010-to-march-2011-pre-and-postoperative-data</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-monthly-patient-reported-outcome-measures-proms-in-england-april-2010-to-march-2011-pre-and-postoperative-data</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This is the latest publication of provisional post-operatives scores from the Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) programme for the period April 2010 to March 2011.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Quality Accounts audit guidance published ]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/quality-accounts-audit-guidance-published-</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/quality-accounts-audit-guidance-published-</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Quality Accounts audit guidance sets out what trusts will need to do to support the audit of their 2011/12 Quality Accounts.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[How reliable are clinical systems in the UK NHS? A study of seven NHS organisations]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/how-reliable-are-clinical-systems-in-the-uk-nhs-a-study-of-seven-nhs-organisations</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/how-reliable-are-clinical-systems-in-the-uk-nhs-a-study-of-seven-nhs-organisations</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[It is well known that many healthcare systems have poor reliability; however, the size and pervasiveness of this problem and its impact has not been systematically established in the UK.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Case-mix adjustment methodology published for Patient Reported Outcome Measures]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/casemix-adjustment-methodology-published-for-patient-reported-outcome-measures</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/casemix-adjustment-methodology-published-for-patient-reported-outcome-measures</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The case-mix adjustment for the national Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) programme has been published.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS Performance Framework – implementation guidance available]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-performance-framework-implementation-guidance-available</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-performance-framework-implementation-guidance-available</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Implementation guidance for the NHS Performance Framework is available.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Improving Quality and Safety in Primary Care event - 16 May 2012]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/improving-quality-and-safety-in-primary-care-event-16-may-2012</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/improving-quality-and-safety-in-primary-care-event-16-may-2012</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[NHS Midlands and East will be running a workshop event to bring together primary care clinicians and leaders, from across the cluster, to inform, support and steer the delivery of the SHA cluster ambition to significantly improve primary care quality and safety.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The NHS Information Centre (NHS IC) Indicator Library]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-nhs-information-centre-nhs-ic-indicator-library</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-nhs-information-centre-nhs-ic-indicator-library</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Indicators of health, performance, quality, efficiency are now a permanent feature of the health and social care landscape. Following Lord Darzi’s review and the formal establishment of the National Quality Board, the focus on quality indicators has never been greater.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Infection: prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections in primary and community care]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/infection-prevention-and-control-of-healthcareassociated-infections-in-primary-and-community-care</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/infection-prevention-and-control-of-healthcareassociated-infections-in-primary-and-community-care</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This NHS National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) clinical guideline (published March 2012) updates and replaces NICE clinical guideline 2 (published June 2003).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Transparency in outcomes: a framework for quality in adult social care - The 2012/13 Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/transparency-in-outcomes-a-framework-for-quality-in-adult-social-care-the-201213-adult-social-care-outcomes-framework</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/transparency-in-outcomes-a-framework-for-quality-in-adult-social-care-the-201213-adult-social-care-outcomes-framework</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) was first launched on 31 March 2011, following consultation on a broader, more transparent and outcome-focused approach to presenting information on what adult social care has achieved.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The age old excuse: the under treatment of older cancer patients]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-age-old-excuse-the-under-treatment-of-older-cancer-patients</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-age-old-excuse-the-under-treatment-of-older-cancer-patients</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Cancer is a disease of age – half of all new cases of cancer in the UK are in people aged 70 or over.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The NHS Patient Feedback Challenge]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-nhs-patient-feedback-challenge</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-nhs-patient-feedback-challenge</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The NHS Patient Feedback Challenge will provide an opportunity to radically transform patient experience, to spread this learning widely across healthcare systems, and reward those who are making this happen.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Ambulance Quality Indicators]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/ambulance-quality-indicators</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/ambulance-quality-indicators</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The NHS Operating Framework for 2011-12 covers a number of measures regarding the quality of ambulance services in England.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Review of the various online health service rating tools from a clinicians' perspective]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/review-of-the-various-online-health-service-rating-tools-from-a-clinicians-perspective</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/review-of-the-various-online-health-service-rating-tools-from-a-clinicians-perspective</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Joe McDonald is a practising NHS consultant psychiatrist. Over the past five years he has been an NHS trust medical director and national clinical lead for IT at NHS Connecting for Health.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Third of London GPs use myhealthlondon]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/third-of-london-gps-use-myhealthlondon</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/third-of-london-gps-use-myhealthlondon</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[More than a third of GP practices in London have registered with the GP compare site myhealthlondon, exceeding expectations for the three months after its launch.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Quarter 3 report on NHS performance published]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/quarter-3-report-on-nhs-performance-published</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/quarter-3-report-on-nhs-performance-published</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[David Flory’s report for the third quarter October to December 2011/12 provides a summary of the NHS financial position and performance against the national priorities set out in the NHS Operating Framework 2011/12.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Social Care and Mental Health Indicators from the National Indicator set - 2010-11 Final release]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/social-care-and-mental-health-indicators-from-the-national-indicator-set-201011-final-release</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/social-care-and-mental-health-indicators-from-the-national-indicator-set-201011-final-release</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This National Indicator Set (NIS) met the then government's commitment, as set out in the local government White Paper Strong and Prosperous Communities, to introduce a clear set of national outcomes and a single set of national indicators by which to measure them.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Self-management of Diabetes in Hospital]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/selfmanagement-of-diabetes-in-hospital</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/selfmanagement-of-diabetes-in-hospital</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[These guidelines have been commissioned by the Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care Groupin collaboration with NHS Diabetes.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Prime Minister's challenge on dementia]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/prime-ministers-challenge-on-dementia</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/prime-ministers-challenge-on-dementia</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This document sets out the Prime Minister’s challenge on dementia, an ambitious programme of work to push further and faster to deliver major improvements in dementia care and research by 2015, building on the achievements of the existing National Dementia Strategy.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Provisional Accident & Emergency Quality Indicators for England. Experimental Statistics by provider for November 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-accident-emergency-quality-indicators-for-england-experimental-statistics-by-provider-for-november-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-accident-emergency-quality-indicators-for-england-experimental-statistics-by-provider-for-november-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[In April 2011 a new set of clinical quality indicators was introduced to replace the previous four hour waiting time standard, and measure the quality of care delivered in A&E departments in England.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[More people are dying from liver disease than ever before]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/more-people-are-dying-from-liver-disease-than-ever-before</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/more-people-are-dying-from-liver-disease-than-ever-before</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[National report warns more people are dying from liver disease than ever before, with the disease being more common in the North and killing more men than women.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NICE Guidance at a glance on your smartphone]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nice-guidance-at-a-glance-on-your-smartphone</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nice-guidance-at-a-glance-on-your-smartphone</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The official NHS National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidance app is available to download now for users of Android and iPhone smartphones.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Be Clear on Cancer – national campaign to promote earlier diagnosis of lung cancer]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/be-clear-on-cancer-national-campaign-to-promote-earlier-diagnosis-of-lung-cancer</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/be-clear-on-cancer-national-campaign-to-promote-earlier-diagnosis-of-lung-cancer</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The campaign is to raise public awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer and encourage people with persistent symptoms to go to see their GP.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Abuse of Vulnerable Adults in England 2010-11: Final Report, Experimental Statistics]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/abuse-of-vulnerable-adults-in-england-201011-final-report-experimental-statistics</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/abuse-of-vulnerable-adults-in-england-201011-final-report-experimental-statistics</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This report by the NHS Information Centre (NHS IC) contains information on alerts and referrals to adult social care safeguarding teams in England derived from the Abuse of Vulnerable Adults (AVA) data collection for the period 2010-11. It presents a variety of information on aspects of the safeguarding process.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NICE Consultation - Care of people with dementia]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nice-consultation-care-of-people-with-dementia</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nice-consultation-care-of-people-with-dementia</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[NICE have been asked by the Department of Health to pilot the development of a social care quality standard on Care of people with dementia for use in England.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Results of 2011 NHS staff survey published]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/results-of-2011-nhs-staff-survey-published</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/results-of-2011-nhs-staff-survey-published</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Department of Health (DH) have today published the results of the 2011 NHS staff survey.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Referral to Treatment Waiting Times Statistics]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/referral-to-treatment-waiting-times-statistics</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/referral-to-treatment-waiting-times-statistics</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The latest Referral To Treatment (RTT) waiting times statistics, which monitor the length of time from referral through to treatment, have been released.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Provisional Monthly Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in England - April 2010 to March 2011. Pre- and post-operative data]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-monthly-patient-reported-outcome-measures-proms-in-england-april-2010-to-march-2011-pre-and-postoperative-data</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-monthly-patient-reported-outcome-measures-proms-in-england-april-2010-to-march-2011-pre-and-postoperative-data</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The latest publication of provisional post-operatives scores from the Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) programme for the period April 2010 to March 2011 is out now.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Patient Opinion to cover social care]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/patient-opinion-to-cover-social-care</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/patient-opinion-to-cover-social-care</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Patient Opinion is to receive government funding to become the official site for patient feedback on social care services.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Tools designed to help commissioners provide better care and save money]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/tools-designed-to-help-commissioners-provide-better-care-and-save-money</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/tools-designed-to-help-commissioners-provide-better-care-and-save-money</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[A series of tools, launched today, will help the NHS identify how therapists can intervene at different stages of a patient’s condition to improve patient care whilst saving on costs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Join webchat on improving health and care for children and young people - Tuesday 20 March 2012 at 2:30pm]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/join-webchat-on-improving-health-and-care-for-children-and-young-people-tuesday-20-march-2012-at-230pm</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/join-webchat-on-improving-health-and-care-for-children-and-young-people-tuesday-20-march-2012-at-230pm</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[If you’re interested in improving health and care for children and young people, join the Department of Health (DH) webchat with the co-chairs of the Children and Young People’s Health Outcomes Forum on Tuesday 20 March at 2.30pm.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[National diabetes inpatient audit 2011 findings]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/national-diabetes-inpatient-audit-2011-findings</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/national-diabetes-inpatient-audit-2011-findings</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The national diabetes inpatient audit (NaDIA) 2011 is the third snapshot audit of inpatient care.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS foundation trusts: Monitor review of nine months to 31 December 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-foundation-trusts-monitor-review-of-nine-months-to-31-december-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-foundation-trusts-monitor-review-of-nine-months-to-31-december-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Monitor requires each NHS foundation trust board to submit a quarterly report. Performance is monitored against these reports to identify where problems might arise.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Transforming Patient Experience: the essential guide]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/transforming-patient-experience-the-essential-guide</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/transforming-patient-experience-the-essential-guide</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement has developed a resource for people with designated responsibility for improving patient experience - both as providers of services and as commissioners - to help understand and use patient and staff experiences to improve services.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[CQC review of healthcare services for care home residents]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-review-of-healthcare-services-for-care-home-residents</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-review-of-healthcare-services-for-care-home-residents</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published the results of a review of how the healthcare needs of care home residents are met.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Your chance to shape future of England's biggest mental health dataset]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/your-chance-to-shape-future-of-englands-biggest-mental-health-dataset</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/your-chance-to-shape-future-of-englands-biggest-mental-health-dataset</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Commissioners, data users and the public have the chance to help define how the biggest mental health dataset in England is best packaged and presented to suit their needs.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Blood clot screening improves following NICE guidance]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/blood-clot-screening-improves-following-nice-guidance</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/blood-clot-screening-improves-following-nice-guidance</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[More than 90 per cent of patients are now being screened for their risk of developing blood clots following the launch of The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on venous thromboembolism (VTE), latest figures reveal.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Critical success factors that enable individuals to die in their preferred place of death]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/critical-success-factors-that-enable-individuals-to-die-in-their-preferred-place-of-death</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/critical-success-factors-that-enable-individuals-to-die-in-their-preferred-place-of-death</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Highlighting good practice from seven Primary Care Trusts across the country, this report by the NHS National End of Life Care Programme identifies the critical success factors associated with improving end of life care and enabling a person to die in the place of their choice.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[WMCIU Publications - Key Cancer Data, LA Profiles, and Cancer Survival]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/wmciu-publications-key-cancer-data-la-profiles-and-cancer-survival</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/wmciu-publications-key-cancer-data-la-profiles-and-cancer-survival</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit (WMCIU) have published the latest key cancer data, Local Authority profiles, and cancer survival data.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[CQC Outpatient survey 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-outpatient-survey-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-outpatient-survey-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The results of the latest CQC survey show that more patients are treated with respect and dignity but the way they are given information about treatments and results needs to improve.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Provisional Accident & Emergency Quality Indicators for England - Experimental Statistics by provider for October 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-accident-emergency-quality-indicators-for-england-experimental-statistics-by-provider-for-october-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-accident-emergency-quality-indicators-for-england-experimental-statistics-by-provider-for-october-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This is the seventh publication by the NHS Information Centre (NHS IC) of data on the Accident and Emergency (A&E) clinical quality indicators, drawn from A&E data within provisional Hospital Episode Statistics (HES).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The Department of Health NHS Patient Experience Framework]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-department-of-health-nhs-patient-experience-framework</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-department-of-health-nhs-patient-experience-framework</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Department of Health (DH) has published the NHS Patient Experience Framework, which outline the areas most important to patients’ experience of NHS services.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[What do these Trust Hospital scores mean?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/what-do-these-trust-hospital-scores-mean</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/what-do-these-trust-hospital-scores-mean</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The NHS collects a multitude of data on everything from individual procedures to hospital performance and the satisfaction of its patients.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Performance and capability review of the Care Quality Commission]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/performance-and-capability-review-of-the-care-quality-commission</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/performance-and-capability-review-of-the-care-quality-commission</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Department of Health (DH) has published the report of its Performance and Capability Review of the Care Quality Commission (CQC).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[How GPs rate hospital care]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/how-gps-rate-hospital-care</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/how-gps-rate-hospital-care</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Pulse have published the results of a survey of GPs looking at how they rate hospital care.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Brian Goldman: Doctors make mistakes. Can we talk about that?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/brian-goldman-doctors-make-mistakes-can-we-talk-about-that</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/brian-goldman-doctors-make-mistakes-can-we-talk-about-that</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Brian Goldman is an emergency room physician who has worked at Mount Sinai Hospital in downtown Toronto for more than 20 years. He is also a prominent medical journalist and the host of CBC Radio’s White Coat, Black Art.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Research links online patient feedback and hospital performance]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/research-links-online-patient-feedback-and-hospital-performance</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/research-links-online-patient-feedback-and-hospital-performance</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Independent research linking patient feedback left on the NHS Choices website and objective measures of hospital performance has been published by Imperial College London.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Overall patient experience measure – outpatient survey results 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/overall-patient-experience-measure-outpatient-survey-results-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/overall-patient-experience-measure-outpatient-survey-results-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Department of Health, together with the Care Quality Commission, has publised the latest statistical information on the overall patient experience measure.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[CQC review of services for people with learning disabilities]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-review-of-services-for-people-with-learning-disabilities</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-review-of-services-for-people-with-learning-disabilities</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a further 20 reports from a targeted programme of 150 unannounced inspections of hospitals and care homes that care for people with learning disabilities.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[New Quality and Outcomes Framework Chronic Kidney Disease toolkit available]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-quality-and-outcomes-framework-chronic-kidney-disease-toolkit-available</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-quality-and-outcomes-framework-chronic-kidney-disease-toolkit-available</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The latest version of the Quality and Outcomes Framework Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) toolkit, which incorporates 2010/11 data, is now available to download on NHS Kidney Care website.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Four new guides to improve mental health commissioning]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/four-new-guides-to-improve-mental-health-commissioning</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/four-new-guides-to-improve-mental-health-commissioning</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has published four practical guides to help current and future commissioners plan and deliver high quality mental health services.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Paying for quality: CQUINS in London]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/paying-for-quality-cquins-in-london</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/paying-for-quality-cquins-in-london</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The MHP Health Mandate have produced this report, which provides a detailed analysis of the impact of CQUINs in London.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Ambulance Quality Indicators - monthly update for England]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/ambulance-quality-indicators-monthly-update-for-england</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/ambulance-quality-indicators-monthly-update-for-england</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The NHS Operating Framework for 2011-12 covers a number of measures regarding the quality of ambulance services in England.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Weekend hospitalization and additional risk of death: An analysis of inpatient data]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/weekend-hospitalization-and-additional-risk-of-death-an-analysis-of-inpatient-data</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/weekend-hospitalization-and-additional-risk-of-death-an-analysis-of-inpatient-data</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[A study in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine has been undertaken to assess whether weekend admissions to hospital and/or already being an inpatient on weekend days were associated with any additional mortality risk.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit - Cancer Survival e-atlas]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/west-midlands-cancer-intelligence-unit-cancer-survival-eatlas</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/west-midlands-cancer-intelligence-unit-cancer-survival-eatlas</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit (WMCIU) are pleased to present their newly released e-atlas on Cancer Survival in the West Midlands.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit - Cancer Awareness Profiles]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/west-midlands-cancer-intelligence-unit-cancer-awareness-profiles</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/west-midlands-cancer-intelligence-unit-cancer-awareness-profiles</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit (WMCIU) have produced a number of profiles to raise awareness of cancer in line with World Cancer Day and the Bowel Cancer Campaign.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The National Heart Failure Audit annual report 2010/11]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-national-heart-failure-audit-annual-report-201011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-national-heart-failure-audit-annual-report-201011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This fourth annual report for the National Heart Failure Audit presents key findings and recommendations from the audit which was launched in July 2007. The data included in this report were submitted between April 2010 and March 2011.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Provisional Accident & Emergency Quality Indicators for England, Experimental statistics by provider for September 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-accident-emergency-quality-indicators-for-england-experimental-statistics-by-provider-for-september-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-accident-emergency-quality-indicators-for-england-experimental-statistics-by-provider-for-september-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[In April 2011 a new set of clinical quality indicators was introduced to replace the previous four-hour waiting time standard, and measure the quality of care delivered in A&E departments in England.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Accident and Emergency Attendances in England (Experimental statistics), 2010-11]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/accident-and-emergency-attendances-in-england-experimental-statistics-201011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/accident-and-emergency-attendances-in-england-experimental-statistics-201011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This is the fourth annual publication of the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Attendance data within Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES). It covers the period April 2010 to March 2011 and draws on 16.2 million detailed records of attendances at major A&E departments, single specialty A&E departments, minor injuries units and walk-in centres in England.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Heart attacks deaths halved in the last decade, experts say]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/heart-attacks-deaths-halved-in-the-last-decade-experts-say</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/heart-attacks-deaths-halved-in-the-last-decade-experts-say</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The death rate from heart attacks in England has halved in the last decade, says an Oxford University study.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI) - Deaths associated with hospitalisation, England, July 2010 - June 2011, Experimental Statistics]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/summary-hospitallevel-mortality-indicator-shmi-deaths-associated-with-hospitalisation-england-july-2010-june-2011-experimental-statistics</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/summary-hospitallevel-mortality-indicator-shmi-deaths-associated-with-hospitalisation-england-july-2010-june-2011-experimental-statistics</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This is the second publication on the NHS Information Centre website of the Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Sickness Absence Rates in the NHS: July - September 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/sickness-absence-rates-in-the-nhs-july-september-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/sickness-absence-rates-in-the-nhs-july-september-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This statistical bulletin relates to sickness absence rates for staff at NHS organisations on the Electronic Staff Record (ESR) between July and September 2011. This is the 10th publication of sickness absence statistics using data taken form the Electronic Staff Record (ESR).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Statistics on NHS Stop Smoking Services: England, April 2011 to September 2011 (Q2 - Quarterly report)]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/statistics-on-nhs-stop-smoking-services-england-april-2011-to-september-2011-q2-quarterly-report</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/statistics-on-nhs-stop-smoking-services-england-april-2011-to-september-2011-q2-quarterly-report</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This quarterly report presents provisional results from the monitoring of the NHS Stop Smoking Services (NHS SSS) in England during the period 1 April 2011 to 30 September 2011.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Electronic health record-based surveillance of diagnostic errors in primary care]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/electronic-health-recordbased-surveillance-of-diagnostic-errors-in-primary-care</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/electronic-health-recordbased-surveillance-of-diagnostic-errors-in-primary-care</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Diagnostic errors in primary care are harmful but difficult to detect. The authors tested an electronic health record (EHR)-based method to detect diagnostic errors in routine primary care practice.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Why the NHS needs a friends and family test]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/why-the-nhs-needs-a-friends-and-family-test</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/why-the-nhs-needs-a-friends-and-family-test</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[If patients don't answer 'yes' when you ask them if they would recommend the hospital to family and friends then you know you've got a problem.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Why NHS should insist on registered health informatics professionals]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/why-nhs-should-insist-on-registered-health-informatics-professionals</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/why-nhs-should-insist-on-registered-health-informatics-professionals</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Medical information should be handled by qualified people with specialist skills, any let up in standards could prove fatal.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS Improvement first steps towards quality improvement: A simple guide to improving services]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-improvement-first-steps-towards-quality-improvement-a-simple-guide-to-improving-services</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-improvement-first-steps-towards-quality-improvement-a-simple-guide-to-improving-services</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[If you are involved at any level in improving health or social care, this resource will provide the information you need for your first steps towards making quality improvements, giving your improvement project the best possible chance of success.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS Quality Accounts 2010/11]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-quality-accounts-201011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-quality-accounts-201011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Commission has published a briefing summarising the findings from its appointed auditors' reviews of quality accounts at 91 NHS acute and mental health trusts, including the Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[CQC publishes first reports from its review of services for people with learning disabilities]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-publishes-first-reports-from-its-review-of-services-for-people-with-learning-disabilities</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-publishes-first-reports-from-its-review-of-services-for-people-with-learning-disabilities</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published the first five reports from a targeted programme of 150 inspections of hospitals and care homes that care for people with learning disabilities.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS Outcomes Framework indicators - Autumn 2011 release]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-outcomes-framework-indicators-autumn-2011-release</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-outcomes-framework-indicators-autumn-2011-release</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The NHS Outcomes Framework indicators form part of the NHS Outcomes Framework, which will provide national level accountability for the outcomes the NHS delivers anddrive transparency, quality improvement and outcome measurement throughout the NHS.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Report of the National Audit of Dementia Care in General Hospitals 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/report-of-the-national-audit-of-dementia-care-in-general-hospitals-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/report-of-the-national-audit-of-dementia-care-in-general-hospitals-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The first full report of the National Audit of Dementia has identified a need for significant improvements in hospital ward environments, staff training and the overall approach to care delivery for patients with dementia.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[GP practice level prescribing data now available]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/gp-practice-level-prescribing-data-now-available</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/gp-practice-level-prescribing-data-now-available</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The data, which does not contain any patient identifiable data or list individual prescriptions, covers the month of September 2011.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS Atlas of Variation in Healthcare 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-atlas-of-variation-in-healthcare-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-atlas-of-variation-in-healthcare-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[There are two main aims for the publication of The NHS Atlas of Variation in Healthcare November 2011.The first is to offer clinicians and commissioners a fresh opportunity to identify variation and take action to reduce unwarranted variation. The second is to highlight the work being done by Right Care to support anyone - whether commissioner or provider, clinician or manager - wanting to reduce unwarranted variation within their locality or between their locality and other areas of the country.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Provisional Monthly Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in England - April 2011 to June 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-monthly-patient-reported-outcome-measures-proms-in-england-april-2011-to-june-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-monthly-patient-reported-outcome-measures-proms-in-england-april-2011-to-june-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This is the latest publication of provisional post-operatives scores from the Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) programme for the period April 2011 to July 2011. This publication considers the change in patients' self-reported health status for the four common elective surgical procedures in the PROMs programme: groin hernia surgery, hip replacement, knee replacement and varicose vein surgery.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Health Survey for England 2010]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/health-survey-for-england-2010</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/health-survey-for-england-2010</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Health Survey for England is a series of annual surveys designed to measure health and health-related behaviours in adults and children living in private households in England. The survey was commissioned originally by the Department of Health and, from April 2005 by The NHS Information Centre for health and social care.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer - First Annual Report 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/improving-outcomes-a-strategy-for-cancer-first-annual-report-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/improving-outcomes-a-strategy-for-cancer-first-annual-report-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The first annual report on the strategy for improving cancer outcomes highlights the progress on implementation of the strategy and on improving cancer outcomes. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Peri-operative Care: Knowing the Risk (2011)]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/perioperative-care-knowing-the-risk-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/perioperative-care-knowing-the-risk-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death finds that only half (48%) of high risk surgical patients received good care in UK hospitals.
This is a group of patients who are already known to be at an increased risk of
death and post-operative complications.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) - National Report 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-national-hip-fracture-database-nhfd-national-report-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-national-hip-fracture-database-nhfd-national-report-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The aim of the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) is to improve the care and secondary prevention of hip fracture – the commonest serious injury of older people. The NHFD was developed from 2004 as an independent, clinically-led, web-based audit, with the support of the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) and the British Geriatrics Society (BGS) and start-up funding from industry sources. It was launched in 2007, and in 2009 was recognised by the National Clinical Audit Advisory Group for central funding for 2009-2012 as a national clinical audit under the auspices of the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Lung Cancer in the West Midlands]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/lung-cancer-in-the-west-midlands</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/lung-cancer-in-the-west-midlands</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This is a comprehensive report on Lung cancer epidemiology in the West Midlands. Lung cancer is currently very topical with November being Lung cancer awareness month. In addition, the Department of Health are presently running the "Be Clear On Cancer" campaign in the Midlands focusing on raising the awareness of the symptoms of Lung cancer. The West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit's report contains analyses of incidence, mortality, survival, referral patterns and treatment in the West Midlands.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Mouth Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Profiles]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/mouth-cancer-and-pancreatic-cancer-awareness-profiles</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/mouth-cancer-and-pancreatic-cancer-awareness-profiles</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[These are high level user friendly introductions to Mouth cancer and Pancreatic cancer in the West Midlands, presenting incidence, survival and prevalence for the most recent data available.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS Maternity Statistics, England: 2010-11]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-maternity-statistics-england-201011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-maternity-statistics-england-201011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[For the 2010-11 financial year, Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) has collected over 17 million records detailing episodes of admitted patient care delivered by NHS hospitals in England. Of these, 17 million records are details of each delivery which takes place in an NHS hospital.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[West Midlands Acute Trust Quality Dashboard]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/west-midlands-acute-trust-quality-dashboard</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/west-midlands-acute-trust-quality-dashboard</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Acute Trust Quality Dashboard brings together indicators from various sources providing an indication of quality across the 5 domains of the NHS Outcomes Framework.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Provisional Accident & Emergency Quality Indicators for England. Experimental Statistics by provider for July 2011.]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-accident-emergency-quality-indicators-for-england-experimental-statistics-by-provider-for-july-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/provisional-accident-emergency-quality-indicators-for-england-experimental-statistics-by-provider-for-july-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[In April 2011 a new set of clinical quality indicators was introduced to replace the previous four hour waiting time standard, and measure the quality of care delivered in A&E departments in England. Publication of this report also helps to meet the Government's commitment to making data on performance against the A&E clinical quality indicators available to the general public.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The Updated Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) Handbook of Definitions]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-updated-adult-social-care-outcomes-framework-ascof-handbook-of-definitions</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-updated-adult-social-care-outcomes-framework-ascof-handbook-of-definitions</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF), launched in March 2011, is a set of measures collected nationally which articulates the outcomes which matter most to people who use social care in England, and enables meaningful benchmarking between local authorities.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The Patients Association Launches Damming Report into Poor Care in England's Hospitals]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-patients-association-launches-damming-report-into-poor-care-in-englands-hospitals</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-patients-association-launches-damming-report-into-poor-care-in-englands-hospitals</guid>
      <description><![CDATA["The Patients Association is a healthcare charity which for nearly 50 years has advocated for better access to accurate and independent information for patients and the public; equal access to high quality health care for patients; and the right for patients to be involved in all aspects of decision making regarding their health care." ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[2010/11 Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) available]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/201011-quality-and-outcomes-framework-qof-available</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/201011-quality-and-outcomes-framework-qof-available</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The national Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) was introduced as part of the new General Medical Services (GMS) contract on 1 April 2004. The objective of the QOF is to improve the quality of care patients are given by rewarding practices for the quality of care they provide to their patients.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit publish Brain Tumuor Awareness Profile]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/west-midlands-cancer-intelligence-unit-publish-brain-tumuor-awareness-profile</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/west-midlands-cancer-intelligence-unit-publish-brain-tumuor-awareness-profile</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Brain Tumour Awareness week is running from 30th October and in support of this West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit have published a Brain Tumuor Awareness Profile.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI)]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/summary-hospitallevel-mortality-indicator-shmi</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/summary-hospitallevel-mortality-indicator-shmi</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[SHMI is the new hospital-level indicator which uses standard and transparent methodology for reporting mortality at hospital level across the NHS in England. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[SHMI to be published 27 October]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/shmi-to-be-published-27-october</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/shmi-to-be-published-27-october</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The new Summary Hospital-level Mortality Indicator (SHMI) for non-specialist acute trusts will be published by the Information Centre this Thursday 27 October 2011. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Address variations in care now for 'forgotten' patients, surgeons tell Trusts]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/address-variations-in-care-now-for-forgotten-patients-surgeons-tell-trusts</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/address-variations-in-care-now-for-forgotten-patients-surgeons-tell-trusts</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The NHS must address the significant variations in care experienced by the 170,000 patients who have major emergency abdominal surgery each year, says a new report published by the Royal College of Surgeons. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[ Patient Safety Incident Reports data published by organisation]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/-patient-safety-incident-reports-data-published-by-organisation</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/-patient-safety-incident-reports-data-published-by-organisation</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[On 13 September 2011, the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) published the Organisation Patient Safety Incident Reports data. High levels of incident reporting provide an indication of an increased safety culture within the organisation.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Ambulance Quality Indicators published]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/ambulance-quality-indicators-published</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/ambulance-quality-indicators-published</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The NHS Operating Framework for 2011-12 covers a number of measures regarding the quality of ambulance services in England. The publication covers system and clinical indicators.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[CQC publish Mental Health Survey Results]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-publish-mental-health-survey-results</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-publish-mental-health-survey-results</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[CQC has published the results of the 2011 Community mental health services survey, based on a sample of service users aged 16 and over who had been in contact with NHS mental health services in the three month period 1 July 2010 to 30 September 2010 and who were receiving specialist care or treatment for a mental health condition. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Accident and Emergency provisional quality indicators published]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/accident-and-emergency-provisional-quality-indicators-published</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/accident-and-emergency-provisional-quality-indicators-published</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[A new report sets out data coverage, data quality and performance information for the following five Accident & Emergency (A&E) indicators:

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Quality Accounts 2010-11]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/quality-accounts-201011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/quality-accounts-201011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[2010-11 quality accounts for the West Midlands have been compiled on the WMQI website.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[National hip database 2011 national report published]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/national-hip-database-2011-national-report-published</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/national-hip-database-2011-national-report-published</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The 2011 national report published can be downloaded from the  National Hip Fracture Database. It contains analysis of over 53,000 cases submitted from 176 hospitals, during the period 01/04/2010 - 31/03/2011]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Department of Health publishes outcomes strategy for people with COPD and asthma]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/department-of-health-publishes-outcomes-strategy-for-people-with-copd-and-asthma</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/department-of-health-publishes-outcomes-strategy-for-people-with-copd-and-asthma</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[An outcomes strategy for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in England has been published by the Department of Health.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[MORI NHS and social care survey December 2010]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/mori-nhs-and-social-care-survey-december-2010</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/mori-nhs-and-social-care-survey-december-2010</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The MORI survey of public perceptions of the NHS and social care for December 2010 has now been published on the DH website.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Are clinicians engaged in quality improvement?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/are-clinicians-engaged-in-quality-improvement</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/are-clinicians-engaged-in-quality-improvement</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This updated review, published by the Health Foundation, builds on previous research and highlights how clinical engagement in improvement remains a key issue for the NHS.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Fifty per cent rise in lung cancer surgery in five years, says UK's most comprehensive ever audit ]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/fifty-per-cent-rise-in-lung-cancer-surgery-in-five-years-says-uks-most-comprehensive-ever-audit-</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/fifty-per-cent-rise-in-lung-cancer-surgery-in-five-years-says-uks-most-comprehensive-ever-audit-</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The percentage of lung cancer patients who have a life-saving operation every year in the UK has increased by over 50 per cent in five years, according to the most comprehensive audit ever of the disease.


]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit latest report on End of Life Care]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/west-midlands-cancer-intelligence-unit-latest-report-on-end-of-life-care</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/west-midlands-cancer-intelligence-unit-latest-report-on-end-of-life-care</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This report specifically focuses on the place of death of cancer patients in the West Midlands.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Report: Elective & Emergency Surgery in the Elderly: An Age Old Problem (2010)]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/report-elective-emergency-surgery-in-the-elderly-an-age-old-problem-2010</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/report-elective-emergency-surgery-in-the-elderly-an-age-old-problem-2010</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This NCEPOD report highlights the process of care of elderly patients who died within 30 days of emergency or elective surgery. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Next set of NICE quality standards launched on depression, diabetes and glaucoma]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/next-set-of-nice-quality-standards-launched-on-depression-diabetes-and-glaucoma</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/next-set-of-nice-quality-standards-launched-on-depression-diabetes-and-glaucoma</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[NICE has launched new quality standards on depression in adults, diabetes in adults and glaucoma, adding to the library of standards already published.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[PROMs report for West Midlands' providers, March 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/proms-report-for-west-midlands-providers-march-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/proms-report-for-west-midlands-providers-march-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This report produced by the WMQI updates PROMs data to October 2010 for all West Midlands' providers. At this time the data remains experimental nationally, therefore this report does not draw any conclusions on the variation in the quality of services. The aim of the report is to keep clinicians and commissioners informed about the programme and to seek their views on the process and how WMQI can assist in the application of PROMs in improving the quality of services.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[CQC publish State of Care 2009/10]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-publish-state-of-care-200910</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-publish-state-of-care-200910</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[CQC have published their second annual report into the state of health and adult social care in England.
The report is based on findings from CQC's regulatory, assessment and review work. It also includes four informal case studies that look at different aspects of care.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Report shows Patients getting improved NHS care]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/report-shows-patients-getting-improved-nhs-care</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/report-shows-patients-getting-improved-nhs-care</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[King's Fund inquiry finds general practice good but varied]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/kings-fund-inquiry-finds-general-practice-good-but-varied</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/kings-fund-inquiry-finds-general-practice-good-but-varied</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This inquiry has concluded that, while the majority of care provided is good, there are widespread variations in performance and gaps in the quality of care delivered by general practice]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Adult dental health survey 2009 - summary report]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/adult-dental-health-survey-2009-summary-report</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/adult-dental-health-survey-2009-summary-report</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The NHS Information Centre has published the final Adult Dental health Survey 2009. This is the fifth in a series of national dental surveys that have been carried out every ten years since 1968. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Local Authority Cancer Profiles 2011]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/local-authority-cancer-profiles-2011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/local-authority-cancer-profiles-2011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit has updated the Local Authority Cancer Profiles to the year 2011.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[GP patient survey and NHS staff survey 2010]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/gp-patient-survey-and-nhs-staff-survey-2010</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/gp-patient-survey-and-nhs-staff-survey-2010</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Results of two surveys have been published this week: GP patient survey 2010 and NHS staff survey 2010.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Cardiovascular Disease Profiles ]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cardiovascular-disease-profiles-</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cardiovascular-disease-profiles-</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[South East Public Health Observatory has published 'Cardiovascular disease (CVD) profiles'. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Quality Accounts Guide published]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/quality-accounts-guide-published</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/quality-accounts-guide-published</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[West Midlands Quality Observatory has produced a Guide for Trusts on how to produce a Quality Account, it gives ideas about the content and how it should be presented.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Child Health Profiles for local authorities in England launched today]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/child-health-profiles-for-local-authorities-in-england-launched-today</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/child-health-profiles-for-local-authorities-in-england-launched-today</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Child Health Profiles published by the national Child and Maternal Health Observatory are launched today.


Child Health Profiles provide a snapshot of child health and well-being for each local authority in England using key health indicators, which enables comparison locally, regionally and nationally.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Cancer Intelligence Unit publish Key Cancer Incidence and Mortality Data 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cancer-intelligence-unit-publish-key-cancer-incidence-and-mortality-data-2009</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cancer-intelligence-unit-publish-key-cancer-incidence-and-mortality-data-2009</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit have produced a report on cancer in the West Midlands in 2009.  This includes analysis for the region as a whole, by Local Authority and by Cancer Network.  Statistics on incidence of cancer, mortality due to cancer and cancer survival are included.  It contains the most up-to-date information currently available from the WMCIU, and presents detailed site-specific rates.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Perinatal KPI Report Quarter 2 Report Published]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/perinatal-kpi-report-quarter-2-report-published</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/perinatal-kpi-report-quarter-2-report-published</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Quarter 2 report of the West Midlands regional maternity
data collection programme is now published by the Perinatal Institute. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Report on Accident and Emergency attendances published]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/report-on-accident-and-emergency-attendances-published</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/report-on-accident-and-emergency-attendances-published</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[A large number of A&E visits require no actual treatment a new report suggests. 

The report (published as experimental statistics) covers the period from April 2009 to March 2010 and draws on nearly 15.6 million detailed records of attendances at major A&E departments, single specialty A&E departments, walk-in centres and minor injury units in England.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Comparison of Results of CQC Community Mental Health Survey]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/comparison-of-results-of-cqc-community-mental-health-survey</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/comparison-of-results-of-cqc-community-mental-health-survey</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[A report comparing results of the  2010 Community Mental Health Survey for West Midlands providers, identifying where West Midland providers fall into the top or bottom 20% of providers nationally for responses to each question in the survey that has been scored.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Kings Fund report:  How do quality accounts measure up?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/kings-fund-report-how-do-quality-accounts-measure-up</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/kings-fund-report-how-do-quality-accounts-measure-up</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Quality accounts are a key mechanism through which health care organisations can demonstrate their focus on improving the quality of their service. The government has recently undertaken an evaluation of the 2009/10 quality accounts and set out their expectations for 2010/11.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[National Heart Failure Audit]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/national-heart-failure-audit</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/national-heart-failure-audit</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Fndings from the largest ever heart failure audit in England and Wales reveal a big difference in mortality rates between those who receive specialist cardiology services when they are admitted to hospital and those who do not.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Choosing a high-quality hospital: The role of nudges, scorecard design and information]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/choosing-a-highquality-hospital-the-role-of-nudges-scorecard-design-and-information</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/choosing-a-highquality-hospital-the-role-of-nudges-scorecard-design-and-information</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This research by the King's Fund reinforces the importance of paying attention to what information is presented and how, and cautions against a mantra that 'more information is always better'.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Quality Accounts: Moving Forwards]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/quality-accounts-moving-forwards</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/quality-accounts-moving-forwards</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[A one day conference on Quality Accounts, Implementing the recommendations from the NHS White Paper takes place on Tuesday 1st February 2011, Cavendish Conference Centre, London, Richard Wilson, Head of West Midlands QI will be speaking at this event.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS Choices launches new maternity comparison tool]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-choices-launches-new-maternity-comparison-tool</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-choices-launches-new-maternity-comparison-tool</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[NHS Choices launches new maternity comparison tool]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Have your say on the future of information in the NHS]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/have-your-say-on-the-future-of-information-in-the-nhs</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/have-your-say-on-the-future-of-information-in-the-nhs</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[WMQI is supporting NHS Local with a series of online conversations about the Information Revolution.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[WMQI PROMs report for West Midlands' providers, October, 2010]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/wmqi-proms-report-for-west-midlands-providers-october-2010</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/wmqi-proms-report-for-west-midlands-providers-october-2010</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This report produced by the WMQI updates PROMs data to May 2010 for all West Midlands’ providers.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[National review of the hospital standardised mortality ratio]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/national-review-of-the-hospital-standardised-mortality-ratio</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/national-review-of-the-hospital-standardised-mortality-ratio</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The final report of the steering group for the national review of the hospital standardised mortality ratio (HSMR) has now been published. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The National Audit of Theatre Equipment 2010]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-national-audit-of-theatre-equipment-2010</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-national-audit-of-theatre-equipment-2010</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Only one in ten UK hospitals operate with "Gold" standard keyhole surgery equipment, new audit reveals]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The quality of care in general practice - Capturing opinions from the front line]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-quality-of-care-in-general-practice-capturing-opinions-from-the-front-line</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-quality-of-care-in-general-practice-capturing-opinions-from-the-front-line</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Inquiry into the Quality of General Practice in England, commissioned by The King’s Fund, has been collecting and examining evidence on the quality of care and services provided by GPs and other health professionals working in general practice. The work has focused on key aspects (‘dimensions’) of general practice, selected by the inquiry panel as representing core areas for quality improvement. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[DH consultation on Never Events]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/dh-consultation-on-never-events</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/dh-consultation-on-never-events</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Department has produced an expanded list of “never events” and is proposing revisions to the NHS standard contracts (acute hospital, mental health and learning disability, community and ambulance services). ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[CQC 2009/10 NHS periodic review and benchmark tools]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-200910-nhs-periodic-review-and-benchmark-tools</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cqc-200910-nhs-periodic-review-and-benchmark-tools</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[On Friday 15 October the Care Quality Commission made available all raw data relating to the 2009/10 NHS periodic review performance indicators on the CQC website. They also published three tools – one for acute and specialist trusts; one for ambulance trusts; and one for mental health trusts – which allow trusts to benchmark their performance]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[New cancer statistics by the West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-cancer-statistics-by-the-west-midlands-cancer-intelligence-unit</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-cancer-statistics-by-the-west-midlands-cancer-intelligence-unit</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit has published the 2010 Local Authority Cancer Profiles and a report on Excess Cancer Incidence and Mortality due to Deprivation. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[New report: Quality improvement in general practice]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-report-quality-improvement-in-general-practice</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-report-quality-improvement-in-general-practice</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Over the past 20 years there has been a growing awareness of the need to improve quality across health care and general practice, driven by a need to reduce inequalities in health care and the need to effectively translate evidence into practice and by the changing expectations of patients and carers. However, until now the activity to address this need has often been variable.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Improving Access, responding to patients: A 'how-to' guide for GP Practices]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/improving-access-responding-to-patients-a-howto-guide-for-gp-practices</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/improving-access-responding-to-patients-a-howto-guide-for-gp-practices</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The best practice guide to using real-time patient feedback has been published, following a six-month evaluation of the use of real-time patient feedback in 22 GP practices in England. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Patient Experience information needs set out by Dr Foster]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/patient-experience-information-needs-set-out-by-dr-foster</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/patient-experience-information-needs-set-out-by-dr-foster</guid>
      <description><![CDATA['The Intelligent Board 2010: Patient Experience' is a new report in the Intelligent Board series supported by Dr Foster. The report challenges NHS boards and non-executive directors (NEDs) to review the way they treat patient experience.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[New article: Quality Observatories: using information to create a culture of measurement for improvement]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-article-quality-observatories-using-information-to-create-a-culture-of-measurement-for-improvement</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-article-quality-observatories-using-information-to-create-a-culture-of-measurement-for-improvement</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Sam Riley and Katherine Cheema at South East Coastal Quality Observatory have written an article in The Clinical Risk journal on how Quality Observatories are using information to create a culture of measurement for improvement.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[WMQI PROMs reports for West Midlands' providers, September, 2010]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/wmqi-proms-reports-for-west-midlands-providers-september-2010</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/wmqi-proms-reports-for-west-midlands-providers-september-2010</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[West Midlands QI has produced a series of four reports for the West Midlands' providers covering the PROMs programmes for groin hernia surgery, hip replacement, knee replacement and varicose vein surgery. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Community mental health services survey]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/community-mental-health-services-survey</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/community-mental-health-services-survey</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The South Coastal Quality Observatory has created a tool to allow you to benchmark the performance of Mental Health Trusts. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Presentation on the importance of quality data to patients]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/presentation-on-the-importance-of-quality-data-to-patients</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/presentation-on-the-importance-of-quality-data-to-patients</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[A presentation on the importance of regulation and quality data to patients has been added to the website.
This presentation was given at the WM Medilink event 'Healthcare Apps & Software: Approved for Use?’ on Tuesday 14 September 2010]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[New online snapshot of health published]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-online-snapshot-of-health-published</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-online-snapshot-of-health-published</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[At-a-glance health information has been published today (15/09/10) by the Health Protection Agency as part of a new online resource showing the pattern of vaccine uptake, key infections and other health information in the West Midlands.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[BMJ letter: Risk of neonatal death due to intrapartum anoxia in out of hours deliveries in the West Midlands]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/bmj-letter-risk-of-neonatal-death-due-to-intrapartum-anoxia-in-out-of-hours-deliveries-in-the-west-midlands</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/bmj-letter-risk-of-neonatal-death-due-to-intrapartum-anoxia-in-out-of-hours-deliveries-in-the-west-midlands</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[In a letter to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), West Midlands Perinatal Institute has presented an analysis of the neonatal death due to intrapartum anoxia in out of hours deliveries in the West Midlands. This sort of analysis is only possible with denominator maternity data which are able to be collected thanks to the NHS West Midlands' Investing for Health (IfH) project. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[New report: Improving data quality in the NHS]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-report-improving-data-quality-in-the-nhs</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-report-improving-data-quality-in-the-nhs</guid>
      <description><![CDATA['Improving data quality in the NHS: annual report on the Payment by Results (PbR) assurance programme 2010' was published by the Audit Commission on the 26th of August. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Further analyses of the NHS national staff and patient surveys available]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/further-analyses-of-the-nhs-national-staff-and-patient-surveys-available</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/further-analyses-of-the-nhs-national-staff-and-patient-surveys-available</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Further analyses of the Adult Inpatient Survey (AIPS), Outpatient Department Survey (OPDS) and National NHS Staff Survey 2009 were undertaken by NHS West Midlands to highlight areas of performance. This was also to provide a comparative analysis between the surveys to assess potential correlation between staff and patient experience on a cluster basis.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Quality data on your Iphone]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/quality-data-on-your-iphone</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/quality-data-on-your-iphone</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[WMQI makes data on quality available to view on your Iphone]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[WMQI joins with NHS Local to make data on NHS services more widely available.  ]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/wmqi-joins-with-nhs-local-to-make-data-on-nhs-services-more-widely-available-</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/wmqi-joins-with-nhs-local-to-make-data-on-nhs-services-more-widely-available-</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[In keeping with the vision of the WMQI to make our data more widely available and the transparency agenda championed by the SoS Andrew Lansley, we have joined with NHS Local to jointly publish our data. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NICE announce another 9 quality standards to be developed in 2010/11]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nice-announce-another-9-quality-standards-to-be-developed-in-201011</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nice-announce-another-9-quality-standards-to-be-developed-in-201011</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[NICE are developing quality standards for the following topics and will be published during 2010/11:

Specialist neonatal care, 
Depression,
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), 
Chronic Kidney Disease, 
Diabetes, 
End of Life Care, 
Alcohol Dependence, 
Glaucoma, 
Breast Cancer, 
Chronic Heart Failure.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Can chance make you a killer?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/can-chance-make-you-a-killer</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/can-chance-make-you-a-killer</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[An interesting lesson in statistical chance and the measurement of quality in health care

Can chance make you a killer? In this BBC column, Michael Blastland invites you to try the deadly Go Figure Chance Calculator. 
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Transparency in outcomes - a framework for the NHS]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/transparency-in-outcomes-a-framework-for-the-nhs</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/transparency-in-outcomes-a-framework-for-the-nhs</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Government’s White Paper, Equity and excellence: liberating the NHS, set out how the Secretary of State for Health will hold the NHS Commissioning Board to account for delivering better health outcomes through a national NHS Outcomes Framework.  Department of Health is launching a full consultation and engagement process on how we should develop the NHS Outcomes Framework.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[New Ipsos Mori Survey - Perceptions of Quality in Secondary Care]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-ipsos-mori-survey-perceptions-of-quality-in-secondary-care</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-ipsos-mori-survey-perceptions-of-quality-in-secondary-care</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[NHS West Midlands commissioned Ipsos MORI to undertake a survey of public and staff perceptions of quality in secondary care. 
The report demonstrates a need for more meaningful and relevant information about quality for staff, patients and the public.
Many patients are more likely to reach views about the quality of local hospitals based on media reports than on information published by the NHS. Staff have a real appetite for comparative information about the quality of the services they deliver, but the majority rarely see such information. 



]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS Information Centre flyer on General Practices]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-information-centre-flyer-on-general-practices</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-information-centre-flyer-on-general-practices</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[These contain a summary of the key results from the NHS Information Centre’s latest publications on General Practice for each SHA and allow comparisons to be made with national averages. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Quality Accounts survey 2009-10, opportunity for you to feedback]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/quality-accounts-survey-200910-opportunity-for-you-to-feedback</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/quality-accounts-survey-200910-opportunity-for-you-to-feedback</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Department of Health wants to learn how the process of writing Quality Accounts went this year, what went well and what could be improved. Therefore, part of the evaluation will be informed by two voluntary surveys, one for providers who completed a Quality Account and another for PCTs/SHAs/LINks and OSCs who took part in the assurance process.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[GP patient survey: dental statistics; January to March 2010 shows West Midlands doing well]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/gp-patient-survey-dental-statistics-january-to-march-2010-shows-west-midlands-doing-well</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/gp-patient-survey-dental-statistics-january-to-march-2010-shows-west-midlands-doing-well</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The GP Patient Survey is a quarterly survey of GP adult patients, which is managed by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the Department of Health. 
For the first time, for 2009/10 Quarter 4 (January to March), dental questions were included in the Survey.  About 400,000 adults were asked to complete questions about access to NHS dentistry in the previous 2 years.  Participants in the Survey were asked if they had tried to obtain an appointment with an NHS dentist and if so what was the type of appointment and had they been successful.  The results for the West Midlands are the second best in the country.  
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[National Quality Board - Information on the Quality of Services - Final Report]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/national-quality-board-information-on-the-quality-of-services-final-report</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/national-quality-board-information-on-the-quality-of-services-final-report</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This is the final report from the National Quality Board regarding information on the quality of information of services. The report provides recommendations to improve how information is created, used and communicated, and advice on how the information system itself should be structured. The National Quality Board submitted this report to the Secretary of State in June 2010 and a copy of their letter, along with the response from Secretary of State, can also be found here:]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Patient Experience Tracker]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/patient-experience-tracker</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/patient-experience-tracker</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Our colleagues at NHS South East Coast Quality Observatory have updated their Patient Experience Tracker that enables you to compare your Trust against National, Regional and Peer results.  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[The new 2010 Local Authority Health Profiles are now available from APHO]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-new-2010-local-authority-health-profiles-are-now-available-from-apho</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/the-new-2010-local-authority-health-profiles-are-now-available-from-apho</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Health Profiles are produced by the Association of Public Health Observatories (APHO).  They provide a snapshot of the overall health of the local population, and a highlight of potential problems by national and regional comparisons.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[A shared ambition to improve outcomes]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/a-shared-ambition-to-improve-outcomes</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/a-shared-ambition-to-improve-outcomes</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[In a speech released on the Department of Health website today, the Secretary of State Andrew Lansley sets out his shared ambition to improve outcomes]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[National Quality Board: Nice Quality Standards:Stroke care, dementia care and the prevention of venous thromboembolism]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/national-quality-board-nice-quality-standardsstroke-care-dementia-care-and-the-prevention-of-venous-thromboembolism</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/national-quality-board-nice-quality-standardsstroke-care-dementia-care-and-the-prevention-of-venous-thromboembolism</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The first three Quality Standards covering stroke care, dementia care and the prevention of venous thromboembolism will be presented to you on 30 June. In setting out an evidence based and authoritative view of what high quality care looks like across a pathway of care, these and all subsequent Quality Standards produced by NICE have enormous potential to become, in due course, an important tool for supporting the commissioning and provision of high quality services to patients.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Results of 2009/10 GP Patient Survey Published]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/results-of-200910-gp-patient-survey-published</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/results-of-200910-gp-patient-survey-published</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Since April 2009 the GP Patient Survey has been running as a quarterly survey. This Department of Health survey, run by survey specialist Ipsos MORI continues to assess patients’ experiences of local NHS services. The survey is now sent to a sample of patients from each GP practice every quarter.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Birmingham Dental Hospital publishes its Quality Account]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/birmingham-dental-hospital-publishes-its-quality-account</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/birmingham-dental-hospital-publishes-its-quality-account</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Birmingham Dental Hospital is one of the first in England to publish its Quality Account. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Diabetes care ‘still falling short’: sixth annual report of the National Diabetes Audit]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/diabetes-care-still-falling-short-sixth-annual-report-of-the-national-diabetes-audit</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/diabetes-care-still-falling-short-sixth-annual-report-of-the-national-diabetes-audit</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Many people with diabetes are still not receiving effective care despite the fact that more are regularly seeing health professionals, an audit shows.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS London explore the risks linked to surgery volume]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-london-explore-the-risks-linked-to-surgery-volume</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-london-explore-the-risks-linked-to-surgery-volume</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Mortality rates can be up to three times higher for a common operations at smaller, low volume acute trusts than at their larger neighbours in the same region, research published by NHS London suggests]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[New report reveals improved services at Birmingham Children’s Hospital]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-report-reveals-improved-services-at-birmingham-childrens-hospital</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-report-reveals-improved-services-at-birmingham-childrens-hospital</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[A new report published today shows that the trust has now made significant improvements in some areas of specialist care]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Call for Action: Measurement for quality and costs]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/call-for-action-measurement-for-quality-and-costs</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/call-for-action-measurement-for-quality-and-costs</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The NHS faces an unprecedented challenge to improve quality and reduce cost at scale and pace. Use of effective measurement systems and tools will be essential in meeting this challenge.  We need to apply measurement to all of our work and at every level of the NHS so that we can demonstrate whether quality improvements and cost savings have been made.  We need to know what our operating costs are and the baseline measures for all areas that we are trying to improve. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Safeguarding Children Metrics now available]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/safeguarding-children-metrics-now-available</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/safeguarding-children-metrics-now-available</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The latest Clinical Pathway Group Metric Report, Safeguarding Children, is published on the WMQI website today.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Public inquiry into Mid Staffs NHSFT]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/public-inquiry-into-mid-staffs-nhsft</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/public-inquiry-into-mid-staffs-nhsft</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[There will be a full public inquiry into the scandal-hit Stafford Hospital, the government has announced.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Health Secretary sets out ambition for a culture of patient safety in the NHS]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/health-secretary-sets-out-ambition-for-a-culture-of-patient-safety-in-the-nhs</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/health-secretary-sets-out-ambition-for-a-culture-of-patient-safety-in-the-nhs</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[In his first speech since taking up the post, the Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, said he would put his heart and soul into the improvement of health outcomes by making patients the driving force of improvements to the NHS. Not just as beneficiaries of care but as participants, with shared decision-making.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[ PULSE - GPs call for Government action on poor discharge data]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/-pulse-gps-call-for-government-action-on-poor-discharge-data</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/-pulse-gps-call-for-government-action-on-poor-discharge-data</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[More than half of GPs have seen patients put at risk because of hospitals’ failure to provide accurate information following discharge]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[How patients choose and how providers respond: a new report from the Kings Fund]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/how-patients-choose-and-how-providers-respond-a-new-report-from-the-kings-fund</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/how-patients-choose-and-how-providers-respond-a-new-report-from-the-kings-fund</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The policy of offering patients a choice in where they receive hospital treatment was intended to create competition between providers, encouraging efficiency and responsiveness to patients’ preferences and ultimately to drive up the quality of care. So has the policy met those aims? ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Stories from Health Service Journal]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/stories-from-health-service-journal</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/stories-from-health-service-journal</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[This weeks HSJ includes articles on:
  A&E attendance to admission ratios
  NHS’s reputation compared to other organizations
  Review of DVT policies by Lifeblood
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[HQIP's Local Quality Improvement Team launches raft of guidance resources as Clinical Audit Conference 2010 goes live]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/hqips-local-quality-improvement-team-launches-raft-of-guidance-resources-as-clinical-audit-conference-2010-goes-live</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/hqips-local-quality-improvement-team-launches-raft-of-guidance-resources-as-clinical-audit-conference-2010-goes-live</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[HQIP's Local Quality Improvement Team (LQIT) has today released a raft of new guidance. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Health Protection Agency publish Weekly Surveillance reports for MRSA and C Difficile]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/health-protection-agency-publish-weekly-surveillance-reports-for-mrsa-and-c-difficile</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/health-protection-agency-publish-weekly-surveillance-reports-for-mrsa-and-c-difficile</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The Health Protection Agency (HPA) have published their first weekly reports on meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteraemia and Clostridium difficile infections (CDI).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[More Clinical Pathway Groups metrics added]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/more-clinical-pathway-groups-metrics-added</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/more-clinical-pathway-groups-metrics-added</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Metrics are now available on the website for eight of the Clinical Pathway Groups.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[BMJ letters debate on Hospital Standardised Mortality Ratios]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/bmj-letters-debate-on-hospital-standardised-mortality-ratios</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/bmj-letters-debate-on-hospital-standardised-mortality-ratios</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[28th May, the British Medical Journal has published a series of letters on the use and creation of the hospital standardised mortality ratios.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[New report on the quality of healthcare in prisons]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-report-on-the-quality-of-healthcare-in-prisons</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/new-report-on-the-quality-of-healthcare-in-prisons</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[CQC and HMIP call for improvements in healthcare for adults in the prison system]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Annual Telephone Survey 2009]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/annual-telephone-survey-2009</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/annual-telephone-survey-2009</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[An independent survey of more than 3,500 people from the West Midlands showed that seven out of 10 (72%) are fairly satisfied or very satisfied with the running of the NHS. That’s up 11 percentage points from 61% when Ipsos MORI carried out a similar poll in 2006. There was a drop in the percentage of people who disagreed they were getting a good service – 18% compared to 27% in 2006 - down 9%. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[CQUIN schemes now available on new Institute CQUIN portal]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cquin-schemes-now-available-on-new-institute-cquin-portal</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cquin-schemes-now-available-on-new-institute-cquin-portal</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[The CQUIN framework was launched in the NHS Operating Framework 2009/10 (Dec 09) following ‘High Quality Care for All’, for operation from April 2009. It was developed to support of the cultural shift to make quality the organising principle of the NHS. 

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS Innovation fund announced £1.9m for NHS West Midlands]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-innovation-fund-announced-19m-for-nhs-west-midlands</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-innovation-fund-announced-19m-for-nhs-west-midlands</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Lord Darzi announced this week the establishment of regional innovation funds. For the West Midlands this is £1.9 m in 2009/10 and an anticipated £5m for each of the years 2010/11-2013/14. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Health Authority supports the establishment of WMQI]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/health-authority-supports-the-establishment-of-wmqi</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/health-authority-supports-the-establishment-of-wmqi</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[NHS West Midlands confirmed their commitment to the development of a Quality Observatory, West Midlands QI, at their March 2009 Board meeting]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[NHS Evidence established]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-evidence-established</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/nhs-evidence-established</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Three representatives from West Midlands on NHS Evidence Advisory Committee Sophia Christie CE of Birmingham East & North PCT, Catherine Mercer midwife Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Ms Sarah Caldicott, Sister Oxford Suite/Outpatients Hereford County Hospital have all been appointed to the NHS Evidence Advisory Committee.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[CPG ( Clinical Pathway Groups ) meetings on the use of Metrics]]></title>
      <link>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cpg-clinical-pathway-groups-meetings-on-the-use-of-metrics</link>
      <guid>http://www.wmqi.westmidlands.nhs.uk/news/cpg-clinical-pathway-groups-meetings-on-the-use-of-metrics</guid>
      <description><![CDATA[Khesh Sidhu, Deputy Medical Director NHS West Midlands, will be holding meetings during May/June with the West Midlands CPG clinical leads and representatives from Trusts & PCTs on the development of metrics for each service area.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
    </item>
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