19th January - 23rd January 2015
Towards the end of last week, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop which explained the changes that had been made to the NHS Standard Contract for this year (2015/16). The session was led by Contract leads from NHS England. It was a really interesting and helpful session, which allowed us to understand what changes we could expect to the format of the contract and also to the online system, which is known as ‘eContract'. I was particularly interested to hear about the changes that had been made to the eContract system, as I have been using this piece of software over the past few weeks to draw up a contract for the treatment of AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration) as mentioned in previous blog posts. Luckily, the system hasn’t changed too much and there are now fewer steps to go through before a contract is issued. It also gave me the opportunity to meet other Contract managers from neighbouring CCGs.
Next week, I am looking forward to interviewing candidates for next year’s student placement! It will be great to sit on the other side of the interview panel this time and to gain some more experience in Human Resources. I have no doubt that we will find a great candidate for the job!
27 January 2015
19 January 2015
Quality & Contracts...
12th January – 16th January
A number of the activities which I’ve undertaken this week have been around the Quality side of the healthcare services, with specific focus on gathering ideas for the 2015/16 CQUINs (Commissioning for Quality & Innovation). The CQUINs are planned prior to producing providers' contracts; therefore time is of the essence to ensure the local providers are happy with the local CQUINs that we intend to implement! We are also running a workshop in the next couple of weeks with local service providers to gather and finalise ideas to improve the quality of care for patients.
I have nearly finished putting together my first NHS contract! This particular contract is being created for a local provider to enable them to provide treatment to NHS patients who have AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration). On Tuesday, we met with the provider to go through the contract and to also identify any missing elements. NHS Contracts are created on an online portal which allows you to use an existing structure, this has been particularly helpful for me, considering my lack of experience with Contracting! I have enjoyed understanding about the contracting side of the CCG and I am looking forward to becoming more involved as the new financial year comes around.
Next week, I am attending a training session which allows members of staff working within the Contracts area of the NHS to attend a workshop which explains the main changes to the NHS Standard Contract in 2015/16.
Each year, there are certain changes to the NHS Standard Contract, to meet the requirements of the current healthcare economy, therefore it is important that we gain an idea of the specific changes and additions to next year's contract.
A number of the activities which I’ve undertaken this week have been around the Quality side of the healthcare services, with specific focus on gathering ideas for the 2015/16 CQUINs (Commissioning for Quality & Innovation). The CQUINs are planned prior to producing providers' contracts; therefore time is of the essence to ensure the local providers are happy with the local CQUINs that we intend to implement! We are also running a workshop in the next couple of weeks with local service providers to gather and finalise ideas to improve the quality of care for patients.
I have nearly finished putting together my first NHS contract! This particular contract is being created for a local provider to enable them to provide treatment to NHS patients who have AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration). On Tuesday, we met with the provider to go through the contract and to also identify any missing elements. NHS Contracts are created on an online portal which allows you to use an existing structure, this has been particularly helpful for me, considering my lack of experience with Contracting! I have enjoyed understanding about the contracting side of the CCG and I am looking forward to becoming more involved as the new financial year comes around.
Next week, I am attending a training session which allows members of staff working within the Contracts area of the NHS to attend a workshop which explains the main changes to the NHS Standard Contract in 2015/16.
Each year, there are certain changes to the NHS Standard Contract, to meet the requirements of the current healthcare economy, therefore it is important that we gain an idea of the specific changes and additions to next year's contract.
9 January 2015
First working week of 2015!
5th January – 9th January 2015
Each day new invoices are uploaded onto the online system for members of the Finance Team to check, code and approve. Most days, I go onto the system to code the invoices to ensure that we maintain a steady workload. Coding has now become one of my main tasks through the week, it is like second nature to me now!
As well as coding on a daily basis, myself and Kim, one of the Finance Assistants match the CHC (Continuing Healthcare) invoices on another system known as 'Broadcare' to ensure Care Home fees are paid for on time.
This week, I have also been analysing figures from a Practice Nurse survey which has been completed in the local area. I have been responsible for converting the figures into bar chart diagrams to make the data more understandable.
The deadline for the new student placement vacancy has now closed, therefore next week I will be sitting down to tackle the difficult task of shortlisting! I have particularly enjoyed getting involved in the recruitment side of the organisation. Although, the HR department is based outside of the CCG, in the CSU (Commissioning Support Unit) when recruiting a new member of staff we complete the shortlisting in-house. I am really looking forwarding to reviewing the applications and I have no doubt that we will find a great candidate for the role!
Next week, myself and my line manager, Andrew (Quality and Performance Manager) will be creating the Quality Schedules for the 2015/16 contracts. The Quality Schedule is placed in each provider's contract and lists all of the requirements which the provider must meet to ensure high quality care is provided.
Each day new invoices are uploaded onto the online system for members of the Finance Team to check, code and approve. Most days, I go onto the system to code the invoices to ensure that we maintain a steady workload. Coding has now become one of my main tasks through the week, it is like second nature to me now!
As well as coding on a daily basis, myself and Kim, one of the Finance Assistants match the CHC (Continuing Healthcare) invoices on another system known as 'Broadcare' to ensure Care Home fees are paid for on time.
This week, I have also been analysing figures from a Practice Nurse survey which has been completed in the local area. I have been responsible for converting the figures into bar chart diagrams to make the data more understandable.
The deadline for the new student placement vacancy has now closed, therefore next week I will be sitting down to tackle the difficult task of shortlisting! I have particularly enjoyed getting involved in the recruitment side of the organisation. Although, the HR department is based outside of the CCG, in the CSU (Commissioning Support Unit) when recruiting a new member of staff we complete the shortlisting in-house. I am really looking forwarding to reviewing the applications and I have no doubt that we will find a great candidate for the role!
Next week, myself and my line manager, Andrew (Quality and Performance Manager) will be creating the Quality Schedules for the 2015/16 contracts. The Quality Schedule is placed in each provider's contract and lists all of the requirements which the provider must meet to ensure high quality care is provided.
5 January 2015
What I have learnt so far on Placement!
29th December – 2nd January
I have just returned to work from a short but relaxing break over the Christmas period! In this week’s blog, I have decided to compile a list of what I have learnt during my time at the CCG so far.
The NHS is a phenomenal organisation! I think that now I am ‘behind the scenes’, rather than at the receiving end, I am now able to understand and appreciate just how hard NHS staff work, particularly from the commissioning end, I have gained an insight into how the NHS would simply not work effectively without the commissioners. There has been a lot to learn about the NHS and the healthcare sector over the past few months; it is a rather complex structure, however I feel that I am finally beginning to understand the daily operation of a CCG and the NHS as a whole.
What I have learnt to date;
• Working with the Finance Team, I have developed a number of new skills – specifically how to code invoices and ensure the face of each invoice is correct, in order for it to be sent to the appropriate person for payment. I have also learnt how to match packages for patients requiring CHC (Continuing Healthcare) who have complex, long-term conditions, to ensure payment to Care Homes is made on time.
• Whilst working alongside the finance team, I have had the opportunity to gain certificates from the HFMA (Healthcare of Financial Management Association). I’ve completed courses from five modules; Commissioning, Business Cases, NHS Finance, Cost Improvement Programmes and Receivables & Payables.
• Contracting – before I began working for the NHS, I had no idea that contracts were even needed with it being a public sector organisation! I now have a better understanding as to what a standard NHS contract looks like, the different sections that are included and the tendering process before a contract is drawn up for a new provider.
• As I am working within the Business Team at the CCG, there is a significant focus on the Quality and Performance of the local healthcare providers. I have learnt all about the local and national quality incentives that are implemented; CQUINs (Commissioning for Quality and Innovation) which enables quality targets to be met and offers providers the opportunity to receive a payment in return.
• I have been exploring the options to commission Perinatal Mental Health Services in the local area, ensuring women who experience a mental health problem during pregnancy and up to a year after delivery are provided with high quality care and support. This has been particularly interesting to understand the types of services which currently exist in the area and the mental health services that need to be commissioned in the future.
• I have recently been involved in the recruitment process within the NHS, where I was a member of the interview panel for a new member of staff at the CCG. I am also responsible for recruiting the next student placement to fulfil my role when I leave, where I will be following a similar shortlisting and interview process.
The list goes on… including all of the acronyms which are used on a daily basis in the NHS!
I am looking forward to continuing to work at the CCG in the New Year, where I will have the opportunity to become more heavily involved with the Contracting, Quality and Project Management side of the organisation!
Happy New Year!
I have just returned to work from a short but relaxing break over the Christmas period! In this week’s blog, I have decided to compile a list of what I have learnt during my time at the CCG so far.
The NHS is a phenomenal organisation! I think that now I am ‘behind the scenes’, rather than at the receiving end, I am now able to understand and appreciate just how hard NHS staff work, particularly from the commissioning end, I have gained an insight into how the NHS would simply not work effectively without the commissioners. There has been a lot to learn about the NHS and the healthcare sector over the past few months; it is a rather complex structure, however I feel that I am finally beginning to understand the daily operation of a CCG and the NHS as a whole.
What I have learnt to date;
• Working with the Finance Team, I have developed a number of new skills – specifically how to code invoices and ensure the face of each invoice is correct, in order for it to be sent to the appropriate person for payment. I have also learnt how to match packages for patients requiring CHC (Continuing Healthcare) who have complex, long-term conditions, to ensure payment to Care Homes is made on time.
• Whilst working alongside the finance team, I have had the opportunity to gain certificates from the HFMA (Healthcare of Financial Management Association). I’ve completed courses from five modules; Commissioning, Business Cases, NHS Finance, Cost Improvement Programmes and Receivables & Payables.
• Contracting – before I began working for the NHS, I had no idea that contracts were even needed with it being a public sector organisation! I now have a better understanding as to what a standard NHS contract looks like, the different sections that are included and the tendering process before a contract is drawn up for a new provider.
• As I am working within the Business Team at the CCG, there is a significant focus on the Quality and Performance of the local healthcare providers. I have learnt all about the local and national quality incentives that are implemented; CQUINs (Commissioning for Quality and Innovation) which enables quality targets to be met and offers providers the opportunity to receive a payment in return.
• I have been exploring the options to commission Perinatal Mental Health Services in the local area, ensuring women who experience a mental health problem during pregnancy and up to a year after delivery are provided with high quality care and support. This has been particularly interesting to understand the types of services which currently exist in the area and the mental health services that need to be commissioned in the future.
• I have recently been involved in the recruitment process within the NHS, where I was a member of the interview panel for a new member of staff at the CCG. I am also responsible for recruiting the next student placement to fulfil my role when I leave, where I will be following a similar shortlisting and interview process.
The list goes on… including all of the acronyms which are used on a daily basis in the NHS!
I am looking forward to continuing to work at the CCG in the New Year, where I will have the opportunity to become more heavily involved with the Contracting, Quality and Project Management side of the organisation!
Happy New Year!
19 December 2014
Conducting interviews before my Christmas break!
15th December – 19th December 2014
As I mentioned in my blog last week, I have been gaining an understanding of the recruitment process in the NHS. This week, I have had the opportunity to gain some great HR (Human Resources) experience when I was on interview panel for one of the Governance vacancies at the CCG. It was a really interesting experience to understand the types of questions that are asked and the scoring process for each candidate. I gained more of an idea about what I should do (and should not do!) when attending interviews in the future. It was a relatively long process when determining who the successful candidate would be and there was much deliberation between the interview panel when making the final decision, but we feel we have apointed the most suitable candidate for the job!
I have also been producing a business case to commission services that support women who have a mental illness during pregnancy and in the year after delivery (known as the postpartum year). At the CCG, we follow a specific online template to write a business case. Having studied Business from GCSE level and currently at undergraduate level, I have had quite a few years of experience writing business cases/plans, but I feel this template I have been using whilst on placement has been really helpful in ensuring that I've considered every aspect of the project before it is implemented.
As well as conducting interviews and producing business cases, I have been doing my regular finance activities; coding invoices and matching them for payment, in addition to amending local provider contracts, which will become one of my main duties in the New Year.
I will be having a little break over the festive season, so may I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!
As I mentioned in my blog last week, I have been gaining an understanding of the recruitment process in the NHS. This week, I have had the opportunity to gain some great HR (Human Resources) experience when I was on interview panel for one of the Governance vacancies at the CCG. It was a really interesting experience to understand the types of questions that are asked and the scoring process for each candidate. I gained more of an idea about what I should do (and should not do!) when attending interviews in the future. It was a relatively long process when determining who the successful candidate would be and there was much deliberation between the interview panel when making the final decision, but we feel we have apointed the most suitable candidate for the job!
I have also been producing a business case to commission services that support women who have a mental illness during pregnancy and in the year after delivery (known as the postpartum year). At the CCG, we follow a specific online template to write a business case. Having studied Business from GCSE level and currently at undergraduate level, I have had quite a few years of experience writing business cases/plans, but I feel this template I have been using whilst on placement has been really helpful in ensuring that I've considered every aspect of the project before it is implemented.
As well as conducting interviews and producing business cases, I have been doing my regular finance activities; coding invoices and matching them for payment, in addition to amending local provider contracts, which will become one of my main duties in the New Year.
I will be having a little break over the festive season, so may I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!
12 December 2014
Christmas at the CCG!
8th December - 12th December 2014
This week I have been learning about the recruitment process in the NHS. The vacancy for the new placement student to fill my role next year is now being advertised on the NHS jobs website and is on several University placement websites. A number of my tasks over the past week have been liaising with the placement teams at the selected Universities and the HR department (which is based outside of the CCG) to finalise the job description and person specification.
At the CCG, we are in the process of recruiting staff to fill a couple of roles and I have been given the opportunity to be on the panel when interviews take place next week. I have been going through several applications to shortlist candidates for interview, which has been really interesting to see what determines a suitable candidate. This experience has taught me to make sure that my CV and cover letter stand out when applying for jobs in the future, I now have a much better understanding of what makes a good job application!
I have been amending the contracts of local providers by adding national and local requirements and attaching documents needed for each healthcare provider. In addition, to also meeting with the psychiatric liasion team at the hospital to discuss how to commission and implement services for mothers in the local area who experience mental health problems.
It is officially the run up to Christmas and on Tuesday we had an early Christmas celebration! It was the final of the Great CCG Bake Off! Where contestants were asked to bake a Christmas showstopper incorporating the theme of the countdown to Christmas! I baked a chocolate yule log with twelve mini cakes, decorated with seasonal holly! We also enjoyed a Christmas buffet and exchanged our Secret Santa gifts!
This week I have been learning about the recruitment process in the NHS. The vacancy for the new placement student to fill my role next year is now being advertised on the NHS jobs website and is on several University placement websites. A number of my tasks over the past week have been liaising with the placement teams at the selected Universities and the HR department (which is based outside of the CCG) to finalise the job description and person specification.
At the CCG, we are in the process of recruiting staff to fill a couple of roles and I have been given the opportunity to be on the panel when interviews take place next week. I have been going through several applications to shortlist candidates for interview, which has been really interesting to see what determines a suitable candidate. This experience has taught me to make sure that my CV and cover letter stand out when applying for jobs in the future, I now have a much better understanding of what makes a good job application!
I have been amending the contracts of local providers by adding national and local requirements and attaching documents needed for each healthcare provider. In addition, to also meeting with the psychiatric liasion team at the hospital to discuss how to commission and implement services for mothers in the local area who experience mental health problems.
It is officially the run up to Christmas and on Tuesday we had an early Christmas celebration! It was the final of the Great CCG Bake Off! Where contestants were asked to bake a Christmas showstopper incorporating the theme of the countdown to Christmas! I baked a chocolate yule log with twelve mini cakes, decorated with seasonal holly! We also enjoyed a Christmas buffet and exchanged our Secret Santa gifts!
5 December 2014
NHS Contracting...
1st December – 5th December 2014
This week, I started working with the Contracts team at the CCG and was given the responsibility of creating a new NHS contract for a local provider of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) treatment; along with the help from Karen (Who is sadly leaving the CCG!) we filled in the appropriate areas and information to produce the contract. Following on from this, we then held a meeting with the provider to talk them through the contract in more detail, discussing terms and conditions and to determine what information we needed in order for the contract to be issued and signed.
I have also been in the process of finalising the job description and person specification for the new student placement for 2015/16, who will fill my role when I leave in August. I will be responsible for the recruitment for this position and will be shortlisting suitable candidates, as well as holding interviews for the role within the New Year. I am particularly looking forward to being involved in this process as it will enable me to gain an insight into the recruitment process within the NHS and to also understand what type of attributes and traits recruiting managers look for. I am looking forward to being sat on the other side of the interview panel this time!
I have now been on placement for just over three months now (which has flown!) and a large proportion of my role over the past few weeks has been working with the finance team; particularly focusing on coding new invoices which are uploaded onto the online system each day and matching the Continuing Healthcare (CHC) invoices for payment. Due to the ageing population in Eastern Cheshire, there are a large number of residents living in Care Homes, who require complex care needs and treatment. It is essential to keep on top of these invoices and ensure that they are paid on time. In the New Year, I will be focusing on assisting the Contracts team with renewing and producing contracts for 2015/16 and will be reducing my time working with Finance. I have been surprised that I have enjoyed the finance work that I've been getting involved in, having previously not enjoyed studying finance units at University!
Bake Off Week 4... As mentioned in previous weeks, we are currently competing in our own charity Bake Off at the CCG! Over the past four weeks, we have been given a different baking task, which incorporates a specific theme, which at times has been stressful! This week, we had the challenge of baking bread; I produced granary rolls which were extremely boring compared with the other contestants’ breakfast buns and German sweet treats!
Next week is the final of the Great CCG Bake Off... where we will be producing sweet and savory Christmas-themed bakes for the staff briefing and we will also be exchanging our Secret Santa presents!
This week, I started working with the Contracts team at the CCG and was given the responsibility of creating a new NHS contract for a local provider of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) treatment; along with the help from Karen (Who is sadly leaving the CCG!) we filled in the appropriate areas and information to produce the contract. Following on from this, we then held a meeting with the provider to talk them through the contract in more detail, discussing terms and conditions and to determine what information we needed in order for the contract to be issued and signed.
I have also been in the process of finalising the job description and person specification for the new student placement for 2015/16, who will fill my role when I leave in August. I will be responsible for the recruitment for this position and will be shortlisting suitable candidates, as well as holding interviews for the role within the New Year. I am particularly looking forward to being involved in this process as it will enable me to gain an insight into the recruitment process within the NHS and to also understand what type of attributes and traits recruiting managers look for. I am looking forward to being sat on the other side of the interview panel this time!
I have now been on placement for just over three months now (which has flown!) and a large proportion of my role over the past few weeks has been working with the finance team; particularly focusing on coding new invoices which are uploaded onto the online system each day and matching the Continuing Healthcare (CHC) invoices for payment. Due to the ageing population in Eastern Cheshire, there are a large number of residents living in Care Homes, who require complex care needs and treatment. It is essential to keep on top of these invoices and ensure that they are paid on time. In the New Year, I will be focusing on assisting the Contracts team with renewing and producing contracts for 2015/16 and will be reducing my time working with Finance. I have been surprised that I have enjoyed the finance work that I've been getting involved in, having previously not enjoyed studying finance units at University!
Bake Off Week 4... As mentioned in previous weeks, we are currently competing in our own charity Bake Off at the CCG! Over the past four weeks, we have been given a different baking task, which incorporates a specific theme, which at times has been stressful! This week, we had the challenge of baking bread; I produced granary rolls which were extremely boring compared with the other contestants’ breakfast buns and German sweet treats!
Next week is the final of the Great CCG Bake Off... where we will be producing sweet and savory Christmas-themed bakes for the staff briefing and we will also be exchanging our Secret Santa presents!
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