Patients ‘to benefit from new health services’

The Department of Health (DoH) reports that extra investment in the NHS this year will result in the introduction of hundreds of new health across the country over the next twelve months.

Extra funding of ?8 billion will result in 390,000 additional operations being conducted, with 400,000 new patients seen in outpatients.

Included in these plans is an ?8 million health centre to bring enhanced facilities to the east of Newcastle and a ?1 million virtual community ward project based in Croydon.

The DoH reports that this investment will result in a reduction of hospital infections and waiting lists and the delivery of customised care for those suffering from chronic and long-term diseases.

Patricia Hewitt, secretary of state for health, said: “A lot of people like to knock the NHS and say all the money has gone on deficits. It hasn’t.

“The NHS is now back in balance and delivering improvements in health outcomes, the lowest waits on record, as well as providing a level of care that ten years ago was only offered to those who could afford it.”

She added that England was seeing a new era in health provision, with a sustainable financial foundation for an NHS that provides enhanced choice and is more responsive to patient needs.

In April 2007, the DoH announced the commencement of a new plan aiming to bring services closer to patient homes to improve the convenience of health care on the NHS.