Overall Picture Of NHS Is One Of Improvement, Agrees British Medical Association Chairman, Dr. Hamish Meldrum

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 16 Oct 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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Today's (Thursday 16 October 2008) Healthcare Commission report on the state of the NHS in England shows: "significant improvements and is testament to the hard work and dedication of doctors and their health professional colleagues", commented BMA Chairman, Dr Hamish Meldrum.

Dr Meldrum said:

"It is very good news indeed that there has been a 21% increase in hospitals that have scored either excellent or good in the ratings. It is also very encouraging that more trusts are scoring higher on their ability to use resources effectively. The NHS does not have a bottomless pit of resources so it is vital that hospital managers, working with doctors and other local healthcare leaders, use resources effectively to benefit patients and deliver services while keeping their balance sheets in check.

"I am very pleased to see that infection rates for MRSA and Cdifficile are going down but much more needs to be done. It is important to remember that there is no quick fix to tackling infection control - only a coordinated approach that takes into account issues such as decontamination processes, bed occupancy rates and isolation unit policies, will work. Winter is approaching and this is usually a very challenging time for doctors and other staff as there is an increased pressure on beds and wards.

"I am concerned that some trusts continue to under-perform while a significant number are only rated as fair. Patients deserve better and all trusts should be working towards becoming fully compliant with all core standards.

"The report's conclusion that there has been a dramatic decline in primary care trusts meeting the GP 48-hour access target is misleading. There has been such significant change in the way the research has been compiled compared to last year that it is impossible to compare the data for the two years in question. The access figures are even more confusing when you consider that a recent survey* showed almost 9 out of 10 patients were satisfied that they were able to get an appointment within 48 hours. GPs are working hard to offer as much flexibility as they can to patients, as well as providing speedy access, and delivering an expanding range of services to patients.

"Today's report also highlights the significant challenges London faces in delivering high quality primary and secondary care. It is deeply worrying that our capital city fares so badly in this report and the government, together with local health bodies, need to work with health professionals and patients to improve this situation."

* GP Patient Survey (Access) Summary Report 2007/2008

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