NHS England publishes strategy for improved care

NHS England has published new plans, two-and-a-half years on from the publication of the NHS Five Year Forward View, spelling out what has been achieved and the changes which will take place across the health service.

The plan involves measures for: improved cancer care aimed at saving an extra 5,000 lives a year through new one-stop testing centres, screening programmes and state of the art radiotherapy machines; and boosting mental health services by increasing beds for children and young people to cut out of area care, more beds for new mothers and more mental health professionals in the community and hospitals to prevent crisis admissions.

The proposed improvements also involve better access to GP services with everyone benefiting from extended opening in the evenings and weekends, newly designated ‘Urgent Treatment Centres’ and an enhanced 111 service to ease pressure on A&Es; better care for older people by bringing together services provided by GPs, hospitals, therapists, nurses and care staff, cutting emergency admissions and time spent in hospitals; and driving efficiency and tackling waste to make money invested in the NHS go further in delivering the services and staff that patients want, including the latest treatments and technology.

Launching the plan, Simon Stevens , NHS England chief executive, said: “Heading into our 70th year, public support for the NHS is as strong as ever but so too are the pressures on our frontline staff. Today we chart a course for practical care improvements for the next few years. We do not underestimate the challenges but, get these right, and patients, staff and the tax-paying public will notice the benefits.”

“The document outlines significant progress made over the last three years, including record high cancer survival rates, 8,000 extra doctors and nurses, the first ever waiting time standards for mental health treatment being introduced and met, and cutting waste – in particular agency staffing bills.

“It also, however, frankly sets out where progress has not been as quick, with rising pressure on A&E and acute wards partly caused by delayed transfers of care.”

Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association, said: “We welcome this delivery plan, and will work with NHS England to ensure it is delivered successfully and engages with patients nationally and locally.

“This is essential both to ensure that the importance of change is understood by everyone, and to get input from patients about how new and re-designed services can meet their needs.

“We call on decision-makers nationally and locally to support this process, to ensure that NHS services work well for patients now and in the future.”