Protocol for changeover from old to new dataset and data collection system

Current process for data collection

The National Oesophago-gastric Cancer Audit recommenced data collection on 1 April 2011. Data collected for patients diagnosed with oesophago-gastric (OG) cancer from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 has been collected using the first OG Audit dataset and submitted via the first OG Audit data collection system. The data submission deadline for this period of data collection is 1 October 2012.

Introduction of new datasets from 1 April 2012

From 1 April 2012, the Audit has been extended to include patients diagnosed with high-grade dysplasia of the Barrett's oesophagus (HGD). This required a revision to the old dataset to include new data items for these patients.

Further information may be found in the document below:

• NOGCA Changeover Protocol  [ 55 kb ]

The Royal College of Surgeons of England Representatives on Advisory Appointment Committees for Consultant Upper/Lower GI Surgeon Posts

The College is dealing with an ever increasing number of Advisory Appointments Committees for consultant posts in Upper and Lower GI surgery. BSG members are encouraged to apply.

The College Assessor role is vital in ensuring the best candidate for the job is appointed and that the process is fair and open within current legislation and employment practice.

Application packs are available from Miss Bravinthy Nanthanan, at The Royal College of Surgeons of England. Please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone 0207 869 6262.

The eligibility criteria for College Assessors are as follows:

• An assessor must be an established consultant or honorary consultant in the NHS
• They must have been in active practice for a minimum of five years
• The assessor must be a fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of England

The Health Protection Agency and Offender Health produce a quarterly bulletin called 'Infection Inside' which looks at current topics regarding health protection in prisons. The current issue focuses on hepatitis to mark World Hepatitis Day on 28 July. Hepatitis affects a large percentage of the prison population and Dr Martin Lombard DH Clinical Director for Liver Disease says that 'During the course of developing a strategy for liver disease, it has become apparent that a significant proportion of people in correctional institutions may be unaware that they are at risk of developing liver disease. Data from a variety of developed countries (including England, Scotland and Ireland) shows overall HCV seroprevalence rates in correctional facilities ranging from 20-40%, with much higher rates in those prisoners with a history of IDU: data compiled by the HPA indicate that approximately 26% of prisoners were tested in 2009 and 22% of those were positive'.

For further information about work carried out by Offender Health and the Health Protection Agency in prisons see http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/PrisonInfectionPreventionTeam/ . The full version of the current bulletin ‘Infection Inside’ can be accessed below.

• Infection Inside Vol 7, Issue 2 [ 306 kb ]

6 July 2011: HQIP has launched a dedicated online learning area of its website, designed to offer a range of free-to-use clinical audit learning packages with specific themes and/or audiences. Please visit www.hqip.org.uk/online-clinical-audit-education-platform-launches-with-clinician-and-results-implementation-tools.