Atlas shows variation in NHS

The NHS Atlas of Variation highlights the amount each Primary Care Trust spends on clinical services and links this to the health outcomes for patients.

Published by the Department of Health, these 71 maps aim to help commissioners learn from each other, by showcasing which services are appropriate and delivered well. It also exposes the amount of unwanted variation throughout the NHS, to help provide consistently high quality care.

High rates of variation were found within prescription rates for anti-dementia drugs, care for diabetes and the range of patients receiving angioplasty treatment.

Health Minister Lord Howe said: “Our modernisation plans for the NHS will result in a more patient-centred NHS that achieves health outcomes that are amongst the best in the world and gives people a greater say about their healthcare.

“The Atlas of Variation lets us look at how the local NHS is meeting the clinical needs of their local population. This will help commissioners to identify unjustified variations and drive up standards so patients are receiving consistently high quality care throughout the NHS.

“We are committed to improving results for patients and our new NHS Outcomes Framework will hold the NHS to account for this. Commissioners will be able to apply contractual penalties if any organisation is failing to deliver improvements for patients.”