NHS reforms
Thursday, 12 Jun 2008 13:02
Reforms made in 2000 have yet to benefit patients
More time needs to pass before reforms made to the NHS will begin to benefit patients, according to a new report.
The study by the Audit Commission and Healthcare Commission analysed the programme of market-style reforms that aim to improve efficiency and effectiveness and were first set out in the NHS Plan of 2000.
Key elements were selected: giving patients more choice; greater NHS use of the independent sector; the creation of foundation trusts; practice based commissioning; and payment by results.
It also reviewed the impact of major changes to employment contracts with NHS staff.
The study found that progress has been hampered by two major reorganisations since 2000.
It also says that progress could have been better had the capacity to commission patient services been greater and if there were fewer weaknesses in the systems to support and monitor improvements.
The study reveals that there has been limited progress moving care out of hospitals and closer to home.
Reforms that are beginning to work include better financial management of the NHS and the commissions say competition, or the possibility of it, has led to improved services in some areas.
Audit Commission chairman Michael O'Higgins added: "We don't underestimate the scale of the challenge of reforming the NHS.
"But given the massive investment in the NHS in recent years, taxpayers and patients rightly expect that their money is spent as efficiently as possible and that services are improving. The NHS must keep the pressure on to make these reforms work for patients."
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