02.01.13
NHS must involve public in service change – Farrar
The NHS must do more to build effective partnerships with the public to tackle the fear that surrounds service change, head of the NHS Confederation Mike Farrar, has stated.
In his New Year message, Farrar states that the NHS must fundamentally change the way care is provided, to improve access to community, primary and social care, with greater investment in these areas rather than simply more hospital beds.
He recommends greater transparency, better information and support from the NHS to patients, to tackle present and future pressures.
Farrar said: “We need to modernise how we deliver care, where we provide it and when patients can access it. NHS leaders know that a fundamental overhaul is necessary to make our health service fit for the future.
“At present, many people are fearful of change because we have not involved them in conversations about how services can be improved by reorganising how and where they are delivered.
“And we know we can improve many of the routine services that patients receive so they can be provided at home or closer to home. Not only will this help relieve the growing pressure on our hospitals, but it will help people retain their independence and still be part of their local community.”
Farrar went on to say that service change is “not a cost cutting exercise”, although if done well could help to reduce future costs.
“This is about delivering the high quality that will give people access to the best care when they need it.
“We must work together with the public to make sure that the right mechanisms are in place so that the public and politicians are supportive of delivering this change. No decisions about the way our health service should look in the future should be made without serious public debate and scrutiny.”
(Image of Mike Farrar copyright NHS Confederation)
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