Responding to the publication of the Lord Carter’s report on efficiency in NHS hospitals in England, Prof Derek Bell, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, which represents physicians throughout the UK and internationally, said:
“The RCPE welcomes the publication of this report by Lord Carter, which provides a frank assessment of the current financial position.
“We must recognise that the NHS, as one of the largest organisations in the world, can – and must - make efficiency savings. The scale suggested will be challenging but the cost variations across hospitals, as highlighted by the report, suggest that savings can be made through more effective use of resources and procurement, which in turn will help to deal with variations in patient safety. The commissioning, provider and monitoring landscape in England is cluttered and simplification of the complex governance structures is overdue. Reducing unwarranted variation in healthcare remains a priority and will require improved support at many levels.
“Many costs relate to staff resources and the solutions are not simple. There is a fundamental question around whether we are training sufficient numbers of staff in the health and care sector and ensuring we recruit and retain a world class workforce. It is difficult to see how this can happen without investment and a longer term workforce plan.
“Delivering cost effective digital and IT solutions has been an ongoing problem for the NHS in the UK, which remains to be resolved. The vast and ageing NHS estate also presents challenges but operational efficiencies must be found and best practice shared among trusts.
“What is clear is that a collaborative approach involving all national organisations is required to implement Lord Carter’s recommendations with NHS Trusts being supported while also being accountable for delivering change.”
ENDS
Contact: Lisa Rooke, RCPE - 07717 895628 / l.rooke@rcpe.ac.uk
Notes to Editors
