NHS Budget Cuts Demand New Thinking, UK

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 06 Sep 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Simon Knighton, Chief Executive of The Expert Patient Programme Community Interest Company (EPP CIC) said:

"Cuts to NHS funding seem inevitable in the face of the current economic situation, particularly when coupled with the Government's massive investment into the banking system and economy. So in that regard the findings of this latest report come as little surprise

"Savings will have to be made and there are no doubt many areas within the NHS where inefficiencies can be addressed, however, it is the manner in which this issue is addressed which is crucial and enforced job cuts and top down budget cuts as suggested in this latest report are simply not the way to address this issue.

"Instead they need to start by agreeing the desired outputs of the NHS and then designing the service which can best deliver them. This is what all politicians are afraid of doing - yet it would most likely yield the efficiency needed.

"The other aspect which needs to be addressed is patient responsibility and education. A significant cost to the NHS is missed appointments and medication not taken as directed. Free self-management courses such as those offered by EPP CIC enable people to take control of their health which in turn leads to less reliance on health and social care and reducing costs.

"By looking at these alternative solutions not only can the NHS save money it can maintain its already high standards and ultimately provide a better and more efficient service."

Source
The Expert Patients Programme Community Interest Company

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