NHS Next Stage Review final report launched

The full report can be found at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_085825

The report’s key theme focuses on turning the NHS into a system of care provision that is clinically led, patient-centred, and locally determined. It identifies three key areas for change: improving the quality and the safety of care, and the placement of choice as a major determinant of treatment options. To ensure that patient choice is given due account in service provision, it is given formal recognition in the NHS constitution.

Key Points:

• The creation of a National Quality Board
• A Medical Director and Clinical Advisory Board in every SHA and a Quality Observatory in every region, combined with a duty on SHAs to support innovation with a new £150 million innovation fund
• An emphasis on primary and community care services, and the modification of the QOF points and the GP contract
• Expanding the role of NICE to set and approve more independent quality standards, including developing an NHS evidence service
• Guaranteed patient access to NICE approved drugs
• A restatement of the commitment to care plans for everyone with long-term conditions
• Extending patient choice of GP (via the NHS Constitution)
• Commitment to pilot the Fit for Work programme
• Stronger clinical engagement in commissioning
• More autonomy for high performing PCTs
• Frontline staff to get more control over decision-making, empowering them to improve the quality of care at a local-level , and creating an environment that fosters good leadership skills
• Introduction of an NHS leadership model, that will be included in the undergraduate curriculum for nurses and doctors
• For senior doctors, the current Clinical Excellence Awards Scheme will be strengthened, to reinforce quality improvement

Debbie Smith, Head of External and Clinical Affairs, BSR