Public health news: July 2005

NHS reforms

28 July 2005

This document sets out the Government's vision for the NHS including increasing the role PCTs play in commissioning.  The likelihood is that this will lead to an increased role for the private sector in providing healthcare in the UK, albeit paid for by the Government from public funds.

Commissioning a patient-led NHS (DH, July 2005)

Heaf out... Mantoux in, and no routine BCG

6 July 2005

Big changes ahead for TB screening and vaccination.  The Heaf test is being replaced with the widely-used Mantoux; and the current policy of offering school-aged children BCG in most parts of the country is being phased out in favour of selective vaccination for at-risk populations and individuals.

CMO letter: Changes to the BCG vaccination programme (DH, July 2005)