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London: New Plans For The NHS

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  • London: New Plans For The NHS

    NEW PLANS FOR THE NHS

    NHS Choices
    June 30 2008
    UK

    As the NHS marks its 60th birthday, the government has unveiled
    its vision of a health service fit for the 21st century with the
    publication of a proposed 'constitution' for the NHS and an in-depth
    review of NHS services. The constitution, which lays down for the first
    time patients' rights and the NHS's founding principles, is in draft
    form and has gone out for public consultation. Lord Darzi's root and
    branch review sets out his vision for the NHS over the next 10 years.

    The NHS Constitution

    What is it?

    The proposed constitution sets out the "principles the NHS is based
    on, the rights and responsibilities of patients, the public and staff,
    and the values the NHS lives by". If approved, the constitution would
    be renewed every 10 years, following consultation with the public
    and NHS staff.

    Why do we need it?

    Many patients are said to be insufficiently informed about their
    rights and as a result some don't always receive what they are entitled
    to. The constitution aims to correct this by empowing patients.

    For the first time, patients' rights are brought together, so everyone
    knows what they are entitled to and what to do if they don't get what
    they should. It explains how the public can contribute to improving
    the NHS, while stating the responsibilities of the public, patients
    and staff.

    It's also being seen as a way of securing the founding principles of
    the NHS. For example, that access is based on clinical need, not on
    an individual's ability to pay.

    What's in it for me?

    The draft constitution, which only applies to patients in England,
    includes a clear explanation of your legal rights, including your
    right to NHS-approved drugs and treatment, your right to make choices
    about your NHS care and your right to have your say in shaping local
    NHS services. It sets out patients' right to NHS services without
    discrimination and to be treated with dignity and respect.

    Are there any new rights?

    A proposed addition is the right to make choices about your NHS
    care. The options available to you will depend on your individual
    needs.

    Can I have my say?

    Yes. The NHS constitution is still only in draft form. The
    public and NHS staff have until October 17 2008 to submit their
    views on the document, either by post or email. There will be
    consultation events running all over England. To find out more visit
    www.dh.gov.uk/consultations or contact your local NHS. The constitution
    will take effect following the consultation.

    The Darzi review What's the review about?

    The NHS Next Stage Review sets out the government's plans to reform the
    NHS in England over the next 10 years. The report follows a year-long
    consultation with patients and staff led by the Parliamentary Under
    Secretary of State Lord Darzi.

    Who's Lord Darzi?

    Professor Ara Darzi is a colorectal surgeon and health minister. Born
    in Armenia, Professor Darzi studied medicine in Ireland. He has
    played a leading role in improving surgical standards as well as the
    modernisation of the NHS.

    What's the aim?

    Lord Darzi wants to move from an NHS that has focused on increasing
    the quantity of care to improving the quality of care. He wants care
    to be personalised, fair, help patients to stay healthy and include
    the most effective treatments within a safe system.

    How will this affect me?

    The review sets out plans for 150 new GP-led health centres and 100
    new practices, opening 8am to 8pm and offering patients appointments
    at surgeries near work as well as home.

    In some cases, patients and families will be given greater control
    over their own care, with personal health budgets. Where appropriate,
    the NHS will pilot direct payments.

    Improved access to NHS-approved drugs, in an effort to end the
    "postcode lottery" for new drugs and treatments. The approval process
    for new drugs will be speeded up and open to scrutiny.

    Patients' views on the quality of care they receive will affect
    funding for hospitals and GPs.

    Information on the quality of an NHS body's service will be published
    on the web and on clinical "dashboards" in hospitals and GP surgeries.

    All providers of NHS care will have to publish quality accounts
    each year.

    What do doctors say about the review?

    The British Medical Association says the plans will have a negative
    effect on continuity of care, and is concerned that they will not
    provide value for money. It has accused the government of foisting
    the new health centres on areas where they are not needed - putting
    existing GP services under threat.

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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