21.01.11
Report warns of rising costs and falling standards during NHS transition
The short-term impact of the NHS reform could be rising costs and falling standards, according to the National Audit Office.
The NAO report said managing the reform process will be the key factor: “Our work has identified a number of undesirable results which follow from poor risk management: poorly thought-through plans, unrealistic timetables, weak controls, delays in delivery and wasted money.”
It adds to similar concern from the health select committee this week, which backed the reform agenda but queried the implementation and pace of the overhaul.
The NAO warns that GPs need to be able to focus on their patients but will have huge pressures on their time and resources while making the transition to commissioning services – and that PCTs could “cease to function effectively” as staff increasingly jump ship.
To see the report, visit: www.nao.org.uk/publications/1011/nhs_landscape_review.aspx
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