16.04.14
Quality should not be compromised during NHS transformation
Looking at quality and costs together, rather than in isolation, will lead to positive fundamental changes to healthcare services and provide better value to patients, financial leaders in the NHS have claimed.
Leaders from the NHS Confederation, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management say that it is important that the current programme of local service transformation continues.
In their report – ‘Two sides of the same coin’ – they say the NHS is too often used as a political football by parties who talk about rising demand for services, with no additional money available to spend, but are then very quick to criticise planned service changes or when patients’ expectations are not met.
Collectively, the group want to see strong leadership from clinicians and managers to establish a clear approach to quality and cost improvement within their organisation, with a focus on how services will remain sustainable over the long-term.
Rob Webster, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: "This report is an important statement of the enablers that will allow change to happen in every NHS organisation, every local system and across public services. Every unified board in the NHS is currently looking at how it balances quality and finances. In doing so, they will be looking at both issues together and the role that others across the health and care system and the wider public service will play in their future success.”
As well as calling for strong leadership, the report also suggests that the public needs to understand the difficult decisions that are required so there is a better balance between finance and quality.
Professor Terence Stephenson, chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said: “The NHS should always, be about providing the best possible care to patients. However, we cannot separate the need to continually drive up the quality of care while at the same time recognising the cost of care.
“As a profession we must be innovators, finding new ways to provide the best balance between the two by working closely with financial and managerial expertise.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]