Hospitals to face penalties if patients readmitted in 30 days

New plans unveiled by the government could see hospitals fined if patients are readmitted as an emergency within 30 days of being discharged.

New health secretary Andrew Lansley outlined the proposal alongside a number of other measures in his first major speech in the role.

Announcing the plans, Mr Lansley said he would be aiming to make patients the “driving force of improvements to the NHS”.

The health secretary stated that making hospitals responsible for a patient’s ongoing care after discharge would create better cooperation between hospitals and community services.

Speaking at an event at the Bromley by Bow Centre in London, hosted by the Patients Association and National Voices, Mr Lansley said putting patient safety first in this way will create a health service which rivals any in the world.

Katherine Murphy, director of the Patients Association, commented: “We welcome a much greater emphasis on the patient experience and a focus on patient needs and helping patients play a bigger role in shaping their health service.”