Press release: NHS Confederation response to Healthcare Commission State of Healthcare report 2005

18 Jul 2005

Dr Gill Morgan, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, says: "The Healthcare Commission's report acknowledges that overall patients' satisfaction levels are high for most NHS services which is due to the hard work of the 1.3 million people who work in the NHS.

"The NHS is making significant improvements and, thanks to clinicians, support staff and managers, the one million patients who are treated by the health service every 36 hours are receiving better care.  However, there is always room for improvement and the Healthcare Commission report says that the NHS has a long way to go to achieve a patient-led service. It is important that,  in highlighting areas of the NHS where work is still needed, we don't detract from the majority of organisations which the report clearly demonstrates are delivering high quality healthcare that is valued by patients.

"The NHS Confederation is committed to a patient-focused service and believes that Patient Choice needs to be extended further so that patients can not only choose where they are treated but also how they are treated, so they have more control over the care that they receive.

"Key successes highlighted in the report include a 92% reduction in the number of people waiting more than 13 weeks for outpatient appointments over the last five years and a substantial reduction in the number of deaths from big killers such as cancer and heart disease. It is no surprise that the areas that need further improvement are 'Cinderella services' such as sexual health and mental health care.

"Traditionally, these services have suffered from lack of investment but we think it is important to recognise that many NHS organisations are already practising pioneering techniques to tackle these challenging areas. 
For example, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust is just one of a number of trusts in London that have introduced crisis resolution and home treatment teams for mental health patients as an alternative to inpatient care.  Many of the teams operate out of hours with some providing a 24-hour service for patients. 

ENDS

Notes for editors

The NHS Confederation represents more than 90% of the organisations that make up the NHS throughout the UK. Its members include the majority of NHS trusts, foundation trusts, primary care trusts and health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; NHS boards and special boards in Scotland;

Contact details

Contact Media Relations Manager Matt Akid on 020 7074 3306 or 07887 633344 or Media Officer Amy Darlington on 020 7074 3304.

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