11 Sep 2007
Commenting on 'Our future health secured? A review of NHS funding and performance' Nigel Edwards, director of policy at the NHS Confederation which represents over 95 per cent of NHS organisations, said:
"The NHS Confederation welcomes the King's Fund report by Sir Derek Wanless, which identifies some of the major challenges facing the modern NHS.
"We are pleased the report recognises that health policy is moving in the right direction. While there are clearly lessons to be learnt in terms of policy implementation, there have been many successes at a local level. Effective clinical engagement and demand management must be led by health service leaders at a local level.
"The current measure of productivity in the NHS used by the Office of National Statistics is too simplistic and potentially acts as a perverse driver. Official figures show that waiting lists and times have dramatically improved since 2002, despite the fact that the NHS has been facing a legacy of underinvestment. In addition, the Confederation believes that we need to radically overhaul the current approach to measuring productivity by putting patient satisfaction at the centre.
"We are particularly interested in some of the report's recommendations on reconfiguration, which are worthy of further exploration. Nevertheless, we would stress that research alone will not provide a definitive answer. There is a need for innovative solutions and bold experimentation at a local level, implemented in consultation with frontline staff and the public.
"We also recognise that more needs to be done to improve public health. There are natural limits to the extent that the health service can bring about change. Local government and other agencies have a vital role to play. Individuals must be fully engaged with their own care in order to realise long-term improvements."
ENDS
1. The NHS Confederation represents more than 95% of the organisations that make up the NHS. Its members include the majority of NHS acute trusts, ambulance trusts, foundation trusts, mental health trusts, primary care trusts, special health authorities and strategic health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.
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Last reviewed 11 Sep 2007