End NHS targets, urges Esher and Walton MP (From Surrey Comet)

End NHS targets, urges Esher and Walton MP

6:10am Monday 5th July 2010

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Esher and Walton MP Dominic Raab will use his first term in office to urge the Government to sideline the target-driven culture of the NHS and give patients more of a say in the treatment they receive.

Mr Raab is concerned by the pressure placed on primary care trusts to achieve targets and feels this has diverted attention away from patients and the services they need. He also feels the targets have ironically caused the Government to waste money at a time it is desperately trying to cost-save.

Mr Raab said: "In Elmbridge, in recent years, we have seen a disconnect between the target driven approach of NHS managers and what local people actually want.

"I am reassured that the new government is taking a fresh approach and I will continue to press for stronger local democracy about the way our local NHS services are run."

Research by healthcare intelligence experts CHKS which showed that £1.6bn was lost when 1m patients across the country were discharged prematurely and re-admitted within 30 days, Mr Raab highlighted.

He asked Health Secretary Andrew Lansley how he proposed to “strengthen local democratic control over community hospitals” on June 29.

Mr Lansley replied: “We need to strengthen not only the local public and patient voice but the voices of GPs who are involved in commissioning so they can act on behalf of their patient population in commissioning the services they need.”

NHS Surrey concurred with Mr Lansley’s views, and said increasing patient involvement in deciding what services are bought was a priority.

NHS Surrey highlighted its plans to improve mental health services for the elderly as an example of a decision where it has recently sought public input.

Wendy Lockwood, associate director of public engagement at NHS Surrey, said: "Healthcare continues to change so we must make sure we are providing the best clinical care and also getting best value for taxpayers’ money.

"Getting the public involved in how we plan and buy healthcare is an absolutely essential part of what we do and is more important than ever."

In response to the Elmbridge Guardian’s question about what NHS Surrey was doing to reduce re-admittance, Ms Lockwood said: “We are already working with clinicians and acute trusts to transform healthcare in the county and this will include looking at patient referrals and how services could be more integrated to provide better care.”

Ms Lockwood revealed several methods of communication she hoped patients and the community would use to voice their opinions, including workshops and the Surrey NHS Local Involvement Network (Link).

To join the Surrey Link, visit www.surreycc.gov.uk or call 020 8541 8593.

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