NHS Reform; Will It Deliver Equity And Excellent For Families With Genetic Conditions?

Main Category: Genetics
Article Date: 23 Jul 2010 - 4:00 PDT

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The Department of Health White Paper, Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS was released on Monday 12th July. The White Paper proposes one of the most radical restructures of the NHS in its history.

Alastair Kent, Director says, "We will be keeping a close eye on the policy detail which will be released over the coming months. Many of the principles outlined are vague. The genuineness of the principles will need to be demonstrated in practice if patients and citizens are to trust that the changes are to be real and paramount, and move the NHS in the direction stated as desirable".

Genetic Alliance UK has some concerns, including how the GP commissioning consortia will link with other levels of commissioning and also the linkages between the new consortia and the devolved nations. We would also like further detail on how providers of care on different levels, from those working locally to specialists, will be empowered to work in a coordinated way to provide integrated, multidisciplinary care.

There was, however, much to welcome in the White Paper as long as the principles outlined are backed up by detailed plans which are implemented effectively to make real improvements for patients affected by genetic disorders. Some of the points we welcome include:

- The retention of national and regional commissioning, which will come under the remit of a new NHS Commissioning Board. We would like more detail on these arrangements and await the further publication due to be launched this month

- The commitment to shared decision making and the recognition that it results in a better quality of Care

- Reductions in inequalities in care

- Increased patient access to information, including increased control over their records and more information on research

- Integration of health and social care and creating a system that works more effectively across Boundaries

- The recognition that research is vital in order to identify new ways of preventing, diagnosing and treating disease.

We will be scrutinising the papers outlining the restructure in more detail and we will be responding to the relevant consultations.

The White Paper is available here.

Source:
Genetic Alliance UK

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