BBH Awards 2012 Building Better Healthcare open for entries untill July 2012.

Please click here for top tips for entering the BBH Awards technology categories.

David Pokora (LIFT Council) will be one of the speakers at the Government Construction Summit 2 on July 2012.

The event is a platform for the Government to clarify and communicate their strategic plans for the construction market, outline future investment and explore how the Government and construction industry can work better together.

See conference programme

West Midlands piloting Friends and Family test in hospitals.

The West Midlands is piloting the Friends and Family test that David Cameron has endorsed as a way of improving care in the NHS.

Official opening and showcase of services for Bulwell.

Bulwell Riverside (GRT Nottingham LIFTCo) - the new Joint Service Centre bringing together a host of services delivered by NHS Nottingham City, Nottingham City Council, Nottingham CityCare Partnership and Nottingham City Homes all under one roof – was officially opened on Thursday 17 May by The Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Merlita Bryan. Building work started in 2009 and was completed in November 2011. The project was developed and delivered by Greater Nottingham LIFT Company Limited, who will also maintain the building over the next 25 years of use.

During the official opening, items were placed and secured in a time capsule which will be installed in the Waterland sculpture by Joseph Ingleby. Waterland is a series of five sculptures inspired by the microscopic desmids and diatoms that inhabit freshwater rivers, and in particular the River Leen.

Services in the new £23 million centre, which opened to the public in January,  include two GP practices, health clinics youth and play services, councillor surgeries, rehabilitation and therapy services, paediatric services, school nursing, welfare rights advice, housing services, plus a library, cafe and pharmacy.

Cllr Jon Collins, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “Bulwell Riverside is the city’s third and largest joint service centre and will become the hub of the community. It offers a range of linked services in an easily accessible, attractive, state-of-the-art building.

“Bulwell Riverside has been selected as a finalist in the ‘Best Community Project’ category at the international Partnerships Awards 2012 which demonstrates just how involved local citizens have been in developing this fantastic facility. I hope many more people use the open day as an opportunity to find out about joining the Friends Group or volunteering.”

Ros Youshaf, Friend and Volunteer at Bulwell Riverside, said: “It’s been great being involved in this multi-million pound project which in giving local people easy and convenient local access to a number of services all under one roof.  The Friends Group acts as the voice for citizens in Bulwell and its great that we’ve had the opportunity to be involved at every stage of the project and its operation.”

Terry Allen, Director of Finance, IT and Estates at NHS Nottingham City said: “This opening event will really be a celebration of us working in partnership to provide high quality services for patients and services users in a fantastic new setting.  This development has involved staff, patients and members of the community and will make a real difference to the local people who will use the building for years to come.”

To find out more about the new centre please visit www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/bulwellriverside

Proposed CCG configuration and member practices published.

The NHS Commissioning Board Authority has published the proposed configuration and member practices for 212 proposed CCGs for the first time.

Tim Kelsey heads IT at NHS CB.

Tim Kelsey has been appointed as the national director for patients and information by the NHS Commissioning Board Authority.