UK government sets out its vision for health

The NHS can expect real term increases in health spending and a significant reduction in its administration burden, according to the government.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said his vision for healthcare was a clear message to the health service that the new coalition government is aiming for “outcomes that are amongst the best in the world, and free from day-to-day political interference”.

He said: “We will cut bureaucracy and hand back power to clinicians and patients to ensure they are at the forefront of decision making about NHS services. The proposals will drive up standards of care, eliminate waste and lead to better outcomes that improve the health of the nation.”

The NHS must make sure that patient outcomes and clinical evidence are at the heart of any changes to health services, he added.

The government did acknowledge that the promise to increase spending in real terms in each year of the parliament would have an impact on other departments. 

Responding to the plans, BMA chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum said: “Despite some reassurances about funding, the NHS faces a challenging time ahead with considerable funding pressures and any plans the government has to make for efficiency savings should be based on clear clinical evidence and involve doctors at all levels to ensure that quality of care for patients is protected.”

A new independent NHS health board will also be established. Dr Meldrum said this idea had been suggested by the BMA several years ago, and he also noted that the BMA had proposed more patient and public involvement at a local level.

He added: “We [the BMA] will be very happy to discuss the development of these proposals with the Government.”

Greater NHS accountability

The government has promised that there will be a “stronger voice for patients locally” through directly elected individuals on the boards of their local PCTs. The relevant local authority will then appoint the remainder of the PCT board, with chief executive and principal officers being appointed by the secretary of state on the advice of a new NHS Board.

Nigel Edwards, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, said: “The changes to the way PCT boards and chief executives are appointed are interesting and could help to make local decision making feel more transparent and accessible.

“But that new approach will need to work with the new NHS board and be balanced with national priorities, not least the need to find £20 billion of savings in the next four years.”

Ben Adams