Patient voice ‘key’ for new direction on primary care

The Department of Health has this week published a new strategy to give patients a stronger voice and the ability to make better informed decisions on the management of their health.

Part of the next stage review of the NHS, Our vision for Primary and Community Care also aims to give patients greater choice and control in this area.

It highlights the key role played by primary and community care services in preventing illness, promoting healthy lifestyles, keeping people healthy and dealing with regional differences in well-being and health.

According to the strategy, patients will have improved choice of GP, while individuals with long-term conditions will have an individualised care plan.

Patients with complex needs will also have access to a care coordinator by 2010.

Ben Bradshaw, health services minister, said: “People tell us that they want to be more involved in decisions about their health care and that primary and community care should be more individual, convenient and joined up.”

He added that change will only come from dialogue with users of the health service and responding to this consultation to offer increased choice.

Earlier this week, the British Medical Association said engagement with staff is vital if the NHS reforms announced by Lord Darzi are to succeed.