(Apologies for Cross Posting)
Dear Colleagues
Attached info on Scottish White Paper which may be of interest to some of you. Entitled "Partnership for Care". Key points include the abolition of NHS trusts and the introduction of a new guarantee on treatment time
some excerpts from press release below
full press release at
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2003/02/SEhd336.aspx
White paper at
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/health/pfcs-00.asp
Best wishes
David McDaid
LSE Health and Social Care
Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm said
"Over the lifetime of the next Parliament, we plan to increase investment in health from £6.7 billion to £9.3 billion, an annual increase of 5.5% in real terms.
"That is high by historic standards but it will only deliver the necessary improvements if it is matched by a programme of modernisation that is based on the needs of patients.
"This White Paper is about the promotion of health in the broadest sense and the creation of a health service that is fit for the 21st century. At the heart of its vision is a culture of care that is developed and fostered by a new partnership between patients, staff and Government."
Key points are:
More local health care - a wider range of services delivered locally in communities. Stronger role for Local Health Care Co-ops, evolving into new Community Health Partnerships.
Abolition of NHS trusts and new requirements to devolve authority to frontline units and involve their professionals.
New guarantee of treatment on time, initially for certain heart surgery, but to be extended to services with national waiting time targets. New local targets for specialities.
Vigorous independent monitoring of services by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHSQIS) to ensure highest standards of care and cleanliness. The Executive will take tough action where serious failings emerge.
A new Scottish Health Council, as part of NHSQIS, to involve the public in NHSScotland.
Patients to be partners in decision making - plans for an Integrated Care Record owned jointly by patients and their health care professionals. A new statement of patients' rights and responsibilities and new complaints procedure.
A new £26m fund for change and innovation to build a new model NHS designed not by centralised bureaucracy but by clinicians with patients in the driving seat and removing barriers between primary and hospital care.
More help for staff through professional development and training to encourage new skills and roles to meet the needs of the NHS. A new approach to workforce planning.
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