A Framework for Action
Thursday 03 April 2008Comment on this article Permlink
In his paper Framework for Action, Professor Lord Darzi identified eight reasons why the time is right for a co-coordinated programme of change across London:
- the need to improve Londoners’ health
- the NHS is not meeting Londoners’ expectations
- one city, but big inequalities in health and healthcare
- the hospital is not always the answer
- the need for more specialised care
- London should be at the cutting edge of medicine
- not using our workforce and buildings effectively
- making the best use of taxpayers money.
Five principles have emerged in the development of A Framework for Action:
- services should be focused on individual needs and choices
- services should be localised where possible and regionalised where that improves the quality of care
- there should be joined-up care and partnership working, maximising the contribution of the entire workforce
- prevention is better than cure
- there must be a focus on reducing differences in health and healthcare.
Healthcare for London aims to transform the way healthcare is delivered in London over the next 10 years, improving its safety, quality and accessibility.
A three-month consultation on the changes draws to a close on 7 March and the proposals, if accepted, will affect NHS staff throughout London.
Why change? Healthcare services in London compare well with the rest of the country and a few services are world-class, but there are great variations in quality of care.
Though the NHS has improved considerably over the last 20 years, it has not kept up with improving care in the rest of the world, and rising expectations; over a quarter of Londoners are dissatisfied with the running of the NHS.
It is anticipated that there will be a minimum 57% increase in health attendances over the next 10 years and London needs to manage this.
How would staff be affected?
The consultation is on a framework, and not on specific services. However, the proposals, if approved, would bring about changes for all NHS staff.
There are clear links between lifestyle and the incidence of some long-term conditions.
GP’s, practice nurses and social care staff should be supported to develop effective ways of diagnosis and of finding undiagnosed people who do not present themselves to the healthcare system.
If you would like to receive a printed copy of the A Framework for Action (full report) please email HFLreport@parlourwood.co.uk.
For a large print, Braille, CD or audio-tape version of this document, please email hfl@london.nhs.uk.
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