Future of the NHS
Tuesday, 01 Jul 2008 17:47
Plans to make the NHS a world-class health service have been unveiled by the government as the health service celebrates its 60th anniversary.
At the heart of the Next Stage Review are quality, patient choice and innovation, while an NHS constitution is planned that will let both staff and patients know what they are entitled to.
Changes will be made so that drugs approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) reach all patients where clinically appropriate - designed to end England's 'postcode lottery' in treatment.
The government also wants patients with long-term conditions to be given personal care budgets so that they have a greater say over their care.
Some of the more controversial aspects of the proposals include increasing access to family doctors.
Under the Next Stage Review GP centres would provide longer hours of care, including weekend work.
It is hoped that giving staff greater decision-making powers will drive forward innovation in the NHS by the people who work on the frontline everyday.
While the intention to improve the NHS has been welcomed by campaigners many are concerned with certain aspects of the Next Stage Review and are eager to see how words will be turned into action.
inthenews.co.uk brings you all the key responses and comments on the Next Stage Review and NHS constitution.