NHS chiefs backtrack ‘brutal’ cost-cutting plan

NHS bosses have been forced to soften controversial plans to impose ‘brutal’ cost-cutting measures that involved delaying operations, denying patients treatment and closing hospital wards.

NHS Improvement (NHSI), the financial regulator, has softened the proposals it planned with NHS England after it received backlash from doctors, health charities and senior NHS staff in the 14 affected areas.

Leaked NHS documents showed that hospitals serving five north London boroughs were asked to ration care and make waiting times for operations longer as part of a plan to save £183.1 million within nine months. The Guardian reported how plans to cute the number of endoscopies in Cheshire by 25 per cent prompted fears this could lead to cancer patients being diagnosed later and dying sooner.

The backlash has prompted NHSI to write to the affected hospital trusts to clarify the proposal in a bid to reduce the hostility it has received.

Jim Mackey, NHSI’s chief executive, has told hospital bosses that the plans to save more money this year ‘must safeguard patient safety and quality. Providers need to ensure that CEP [Centre for Evidence-based Purchasing] plans are consistent with constitutional rights for RTT [referral to treatment] and patient choice.”

Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, said: “We are pleased the approach has changed. The trusts involved were very concerned – not just in terms of the level and speed of savings required, but also the lack of proper debate and transparency in the process. We set out those concerns to NHS England and NHS Improvement. It’s clear they have listened. However, let’s not forget that the underlying problem – the gap between what the NHS is being asked to deliver and the funding available – remains.”