NHS reforms : the first six months / foreword by Duncan Nichol.

  • NHS Management Executive.
Date:
[1992]
Catalogue details

Licence: Open Government Licence

Credit: NHS reforms : the first six months / foreword by Duncan Nichol. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    13/24 (page 11)
    Progress with specific initiatives Securing health improvements The role of DHAs and FHSAs in preventing ill health and securing health care for their residents is at the centre of the reforms. The new clarity of their responsibilities has led to a number of encouraging developments. These include a stronger focus on service quality and a greater emphasis on taking account of local people’s views. It has also led to greater working together between those responsible for all aspects of health and social care [see Working Together, page 16]. Quality in contracts The introduction of contracts for services has stimulated a new focus on the quality of care patients are receiving. Setting specific quality standards has been a central feature of 1991/2 service contracts and covers various aspects of provision. For example: e Worcester DHA’s contracts stipulate that 90 per cent of patients and clients attending health centres and community clinics are seen within 10 minutes of their appointment time and 100 per cent are seen within 20 minutes; e¢ Northumberland DHA’s contracts require that all expectant mothers are told the name of the consultant responsible for their care and also the name of the doctor who sees them if this is not the consultant, e Riverside DHA’s contracts state that a patient’s appointment should not be cancelled more than once unless there are exceptional circumstances. The NHS will need to agree improved quality standards for 1992/3, in particular to ensure that national and local Patient’s Charter standards are implemented throughout the country. Views of local people Much good work is being done by DHAs to take account of local people’s views in assessing local health needs and setting service priorities. FHSAs are also playing their part in this. The NHS Management Executive has issued a paper, Local voices: the views of local people in purchasing for health, which suggests ways for health authorities to involve local people in the process of securing health improvements and to promote an informed debate about local health services and issues affecting people’s health. Current initiatives include: e in Derbyshire discussions with groups of local people have been organised by North Derbyshire DHA to explore public perceptions on a range of health issues,