New guidance on pharmaceutical needs assessments (PNAs)
NHS Employers has launched new guidance for primary care trusts (PCTs) on how to develop pharmaceutical needs assessments (PNA). It includes why and how PNAs should be integrated into PCTs' existing business and commissioning cycles; how PNAs fit within the world class commissioning framework and the key areas that a PNA should cover. (7 January 2009)

Winter pressures on NHS staffing
The NHS is facing ongoing pressures into the new year. Our snapshot survey tells us that many trusts have moved quickly to generate extra capacity through a range of actions, such as opening additional winter wards, providing extra beds and using additional private sector resources. Staff are continuing to work flat out to ensure high quality and safe care and we are continuing to monitor the situation. You can still respond to the emergency pressures online survey with details of the situation in your trust. (5 January 2009)

Temporary staffing costs response
Over the weekend, NHS Employers responded to a Conservative Party report about trust spending on agency staff. We said that the attempt to annualise the cost was misleading and in most cases the total cost of temporary staff hires is lower than for permanent staff. (5 January 2009)

Shortage occupation list - call for evidence
NHS Employers is urgently seeking your views on which skilled occupations employers are finding it difficult to recruit to, and where migration can sensibly fill skilled labour shortages, to feed into the next review of the shortage occupation list. We will also need to present the case, where appropriate, to retain the posts on the current list. If an occupation does not feature on the list it could be more difficult to recruit an overseas professional to that post under the points-based immigration system. Please respond by Monday 12 January 2009. (5 January 2009)

Modernising Scientific Careers
NHS Employers has published a discussion paper summarising the Department of Health?s consultation document on the future of the healthcare science workforce. We are asking employers to help shape and develop this important segment of the healthcare workforce. Please complete our online questionnaire by Friday 13 February. You can also contribute to the consultation through our free Modernising Scientific Careers consultation events on 4 and 5 February in London and Leeds respectively.

Consultation on Tomorrow's doctors
The GMC has launched a consultation on their new edition of Tomorrow's doctors, which sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of UK medical graduates, and lays down the standards required of UK medical schools. NHS Employers is seeking your views on this important publication by 26 January 2009 to inform our response.

Extraordinary: order your copies now
Our NHS 60th anniversary book, extraordinary, captures 60 NHS staff in photos, quotes and stories, with a focus on what makes them proud. Beautifully produced, it provides a snapshot of the NHS at 60, with a special introduction that tells the story of the NHS workforce. This exceptional book is for anyone who shares pride in the NHS. Buy it now for £19.95.