The new NHS aims to curb red tape and put health professionals at the heart of the reforms. NB provides a guide on the key changes.
From April 2013, a new health and care system will come into effect. According to the Government, the new system is designed to deliver better health, care, value for money as well as an end to bureaucracy. Not everyone is convinced, with some critics claiming the changes amount to "privatisation through the back door". The main mantra in the reforms is that health professionals and the patients will play a key part in shaping the services for their local community.
Commissioning services
At the heart of the new system are the local health and care services people use on a daily basis such as GPs, nurses and pharmacists for example. In addition, doctors, nurses and other professionals will use their knowledge of local health needs to commission services that meet these needs. This will be achieved by joining together to form clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). These groups will be able to commission services for their local community from any service provider that meets NHS standards and costs.
Health and wellbeing
Health and Wellbeing boards will be located across the county to ensure services work together and reflect the needs of communities. Local Healthwatch aims to give patients a voice in decisions which affect them and report into Healthwatch England, a national body that will represent their views at the highest level.
New responsibilities for local authorities
Local authorities will commission care and support services and according to the Department of Health will have a "new responsibility" to protect and improve health and wellbeing. A new body, Public Health England, will provide national leadership and expert services, to support public health and work with local government and the NHS to respond to emergencies. Care and health services will be organised to work together to provide services that respond to people's individual needs and choices, including personal budgets.
NHS Commissioning Board
NHS services nationally will be supported by the NHS Commissioning Board. It will fund local CCGs to commission services for their communities and ensure that they do this effectively. Health trusts will continue to manage hospital care and community and mental health services. All trusts will become foundation trusts. A new NHS Trust Development Authority will support NHS trusts to improve so they can take advantage of the benefits of foundation trust status when they are ready.
Social care
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will assess the quality and safety of services against Government standards through registration, regulation and monitoring of services. Healthwatch England will work as part of the CQC.
Timetable for reforms
April 2013
What's in?
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NHS Commissioning Board and authorised CCGs take on full statutory powers.
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Health and wellbeing boards are established and take on full roles.
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Local authorities take on new public health responsibilities.
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Public Health England created.
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Local HealthWatch starts.
What's out?
April 2014
What's in?
What's out?
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Monitor's role as foundation trust regulator ends.
More information
For more information visit the NHS Confederation website.
Article published in NB magazine March 2013.