National Voices sets out three tests to judge the success of NHS reform for patients

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National Voices sets out three tests to judge the success of NHS reform for patients

Patients’ and carers’ umbrella group National Voices has urged that the coming NHS spending squeeze be used as a catalyst for improvement in care and treatment, not cuts. Commenting on the Government’s latest publications setting out how much money the NHS has to spend(1), how it will be spent(2) and how services will be improved(3), National Voices acknowledges the scale of the challenge in maintaining a high quality and affordable NHS and believes that involving patients and local communities in the changes will be key.

In a press release and associated briefing document on 16 December 2009, National Voices sets out three tests for judging the success of reform as the NHS strives to find up to £20 billion of efficiency savings.

  1. People must be fully involved in decisions to change local services
  2. Savings must be reinvested locally to improve care
  3. Care must be delivered where it will deliver greatest benefit, not where it suits institutional interests.

National Voices supports the drive to make more treatment available outside acute hospitals, particularly for those who want more support to stay independent at home. A growing evidence base demonstrates that clinical outcomes, patient experiences and value for money are often improved when treatment is delivered closer to home.

Jeremy Taylor, Chief Executive of National Voices said: “We welcome the Government’s renewed commitments to the NHS. This close to a general election, patients, service users and their families need to know where all the political parties stand on how the NHS can deliver better quality at reduced cost. One thing that is clear is that it will require some major changes in services at local level and it is absolutely vital that patients, families and communities are fully involved in shaping those decisions.”

(1)Pre-Budget Report, (2)NHS Operating Framework, (3)NHS 2010-2015

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Please click here to read the briefing document

Notes to editors

National Voices believes in users shaping health and social care. It is a coalition of more than 200 health and social care charities and speaks on behalf of its members and of the millions of patients, carers and social services users that they represent. It works to ensure that patient voices are heard and that they influence decisions at national level.

For media enquiries please contact:
Julian Tyndale-Biscoe, InHealth Communications, on 07882 985597 or email julian.tb@inhealthcomms.com