29.10.13
Future of smaller hospitals to be studied by Monitor
Monitor is to investigate the challenges faced by smaller hospitals, and is seeking evidence on whether they face particular pressures in providing quality care.
Non-specialist providers that operate at least one acute general hospital and with an annual income under £300m are being asked to submit evidence.
It is an exploratory research project with the NHS Trust Development Authority and will help the regulator identify the factors presenting the greatest challenges to trusts.
David Bennett, chief executive of Monitor, said: “We have an important job to do in making sure that the whole sector works in the best interests of patients and understanding the pressures on small hospitals is an important part of that job.
“Smaller acute providers are an integral part of the NHS and we want to know more about the pressures they face.”
David Flory CBE, chief executive of the NHS Trust Development Authority, added: “NHS providers will face unprecedented challenges over the next few years and it is really important that we strive to get a better understanding of any barriers they face to achieving high quality, sustainable care.
“This important piece of work will help to contribute to our understanding of the challenges facing NHS providers so that we can work to create the conditions for them to push on and deliver improvements in care for their patients.”
Terence Stephenson, chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said: “It is important to understand the challenges faced in delivery of high quality, sustainable health care and in doing so it is essential that clinical expertise informs the discussion of potential changes to service provision and that clinical standards and safety remain the primary consideration. We are therefore keen to support this work by Monitor in the interest of our shared commitment to delivering on-going high quality care for patients.”
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