14.10.13
Failure to change could ‘jeopardise free healthcare’ – NHS Confederation
Politicians and the NHS must be ready to implement necessary change, the NHS Confederation has urged as it sets out its 2015 challenge.
The challenge is to be ready to develop a more modern service straight after the next general election. With changes in demographics and an increase in long-term conditions, as well as a significant funding gap, a move towards greater community care and integrated services is vital, the NHS Confederation has stated.
Without a drive for change, and the political space to enact this, it is possible that the delivering care free for all at the point of need could become unsustainable in the future.
The challenge sets out four objectives: that the three main political parties must share an analysis of the challenges; not be overly prescriptive in their manifestos; develop a clearer deal between the NHS and politicians over necessary conditions for political consent to change; and as much of the NHS as possible to have developed plans for change in the run-up to the election.
The NHS Confederation said: “The realities of the political cycle mean that even if the health service has prepared a good case for change and effectively engaged stakeholders, it will always be the case that significant change is easier to do in the two years following a general election, rather than the two years before the next.”
A Department of Health spokesperson said: “We know we are facing challenging times. Our priority is to deliver better care and a more sustainable NHS. That is why we have set out bold and radical steps to transform the way out-of-hospital care is delivered.
“Through more proactive primary care and better integration of health and social care, people will be better supported in their homes and get the treatment they need in the best place for them.”
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