Press release: Elective centres will require major service redesign
15 Feb 2001
The NHS Confederation welcomes the announcement (1) today of an investment of £3.1bn in 29 new hospital schemes around the country. We are also pleased to see that the Confederation's ideas have been taken on board in the proposals for new fast track elective surgery centres.
Nigel Edwards, director of policy, said: "Building these new units is just the start of the process. Their creation represents an opportunity for a fundamental review of working practices and the development of a whole new range of roles (particularly for nurses). This will require a major redesign of systems and strong management if they are to succeed.
While the Confederation welcomes this programme as long overdue they are concerned about the additional revenue consequences of the investment. Nigel Edwards said, "Improving the quality of buildings is vitally important but recent experience is that it requires local commissioners to put up large sums to support the costs of the new capital. This may effect other developments that they are keen to support."
Ends
Notes for editors
The NHS Confederation is uniquely placed to be the voice of NHS management, as the only membership body for all NHS organisations. Our members include more than 95% of NHS trusts and health authorities in England and Wales; primary care groups; health boards in Scotland; and health and social services trusts and boards in Northern Ireland. The new English primary care trusts have joined.
1) Statement by the Secretary of State for Health - see press releases on www.doh.gov.uk
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