Policy Hub
On 12 June 2008, the Audit Commission and the Healthcare Commission published a report (Is the treatment working? Progress with the NHS system reform programme) which finds that NHS system reforms have improved management of the health service but need more time to deliver significant benefits for patients.
The report looks at the programme of market-style reforms which aim to improve efficiency and effectiveness and were first set out in the NHS Plan of 2000. It evaluates the key elements: giving patients more choice; greater NHS use of the independent sector; the creation of foundation trusts; practice based commissioning; and payment by results. The report also reviews the impact of major changes to employment contracts with NHS staff.
It reveals that some of the reforms are beginning to work, particularly those focused on encouraging better financial management and a more business-like approach among NHS organisations providing care through payment by results and setting up foundation trusts.
There is also evidence that competition to provide NHS care from a range of independent organisations has led to improved services in some areas. The report’s findings point to a general improvement in standards across the NHS.
However, it suggests that some of the changes introduced, particularly those most noticeable to patients such as choice, need more time to deliver significant results. The report contends that there has been limited progress moving care out of hospitals and closer to home. While there is evidence that patient choice can work, to drive improvement the choices offered to patients for treatment need to be realistic and supported by more timely and accurate information than is currently provided.
Is the treatment working? Progress with the NHS system reform programme