Darzi review: Time to reset the contract between patients and the NHS?
Lord Darzi’s Independent Investigation of the NHS highlights the NHS's problems but presents a chance for change. Read our response.
Lord Ara Darzi’s review of the NHS has concluded the service is in a ‘critical condition’ with long waiting lists, a deterioration in the nation’s underlying health and problems for people accessing services.
The review will inform the Government’s 10-year plan to reform the NHS, consultation on which is expected to start later this year.
Responding to the publication of Professor Lord Darzi’s Independent Investigation of the National Health Service in England, William Pett, Healthwatch England Head of Policy, said:
"People will welcome Lord Darzi's prognosis on the NHS. Although the NHS does much good, patients repeatedly share their frustrations and confusion about accessing care.
"GP access is difficult, NHS dentistry is in disarray, and people face excessive waiting times for hospital treatment. These challenges are not experienced equally, with poorer communities hit hardest.
"Restoring public confidence in the NHS and delivering timely, safe and quality care must focus on the issues that matter most to people now and in the future.
"We’re calling for improvements to patient communications and administration, giving people a choice of how to access care, a better listening culture within the NHS, and for services to be measured against the quality of patient experiences, not just the length of time they wait for care.
"The public will welcome the chance to help shape the future of healthcare and reset the contract between them and the NHS. Especially if it results in clearer rights, more responsive services and an equal say in their care."
Christine Price Chief Officer of Healthwatch Herefordshire said:
“Locally there are many examples of services listening to the views and experiences of patients, but much more can be done to create the culture of listening which is essential to respond with the improvements required. The Darzi review is a powerful report setting out where attention and reform is required.”
