NEW PLANS FOR THE NHS
NHS Choices
June 30 2008
UK
As the NHS marks its 60th birthday, the government has unveiled
its vision of a health service fit for the 21st century with the
publication of a proposed ‘constitution’ for the NHS and an in-depth
review of NHS services. The constitution, which lays down for the first
time patients’ rights and the NHS’s founding principles, is in draft
form and has gone out for public consultation. Lord Darzi’s root and
branch review sets out his vision for the NHS over the next 10 years.
The NHS Constitution
What is it?
The proposed constitution sets out the "principles the NHS is based
on, the rights and responsibilities of patients, the public and staff,
and the values the NHS lives by". If approved, the constitution would
be renewed every 10 years, following consultation with the public
and NHS staff.
Why do we need it?
Many patients are said to be insufficiently informed about their
rights and as a result some don’t always receive what they are entitled
to. The constitution aims to correct this by empowing patients.
For the first time, patients’ rights are brought together, so everyone
knows what they are entitled to and what to do if they don’t get what
they should. It explains how the public can contribute to improving
the NHS, while stating the responsibilities of the public, patients
and staff.
It’s also being seen as a way of securing the founding principles of
the NHS. For example, that access is based on clinical need, not on
an individual’s ability to pay.
What’s in it for me?
The draft constitution, which only applies to patients in England,
includes a clear explanation of your legal rights, including your
right to NHS-approved drugs and treatment, your right to make choices
about your NHS care and your right to have your say in shaping local
NHS services. It sets out patients’ right to NHS services without
discrimination and to be treated with dignity and respect.
Are there any new rights?
A proposed addition is the right to make choices about your NHS
care. The options available to you will depend on your individual
needs.
Can I have my say?
Yes. The NHS constitution is still only in draft form. The
public and NHS staff have until October 17 2008 to submit their
views on the document, either by post or email. There will be
consultation events running all over England. To find out more visit
or contact your local NHS. The constitution
will take effect following the consultation.
The Darzi review What’s the review about?
The NHS Next Stage Review sets out the government’s plans to reform the
NHS in England over the next 10 years. The report follows a year-long
consultation with patients and staff led by the Parliamentary Under
Secretary of State Lord Darzi.
Who’s Lord Darzi?
Professor Ara Darzi is a colorectal surgeon and health minister. Born
in Armenia, Professor Darzi studied medicine in Ireland. He has
played a leading role in improving surgical standards as well as the
modernisation of the NHS.
What’s the aim?
Lord Darzi wants to move from an NHS that has focused on increasing
the quantity of care to improving the quality of care. He wants care
to be personalised, fair, help patients to stay healthy and include
the most effective treatments within a safe system.
How will this affect me?
The review sets out plans for 150 new GP-led health centres and 100
new practices, opening 8am to 8pm and offering patients appointments
at surgeries near work as well as home.
In some cases, patients and families will be given greater control
over their own care, with personal health budgets. Where appropriate,
the NHS will pilot direct payments.
Improved access to NHS-approved drugs, in an effort to end the
"postcode lottery" for new drugs and treatments. The approval process
for new drugs will be speeded up and open to scrutiny.
Patients’ views on the quality of care they receive will affect
funding for hospitals and GPs.
Information on the quality of an NHS body’s service will be published
on the web and on clinical "dashboards" in hospitals and GP surgeries.
All providers of NHS care will have to publish quality accounts
each year.
What do doctors say about the review?
The British Medical Association says the plans will have a negative
effect on continuity of care, and is concerned that they will not
provide value for money. It has accused the government of foisting
the new health centres on areas where they are not needed – putting
existing GP services under threat.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
