New report highlights variations in NHS care quality

The problem with variable care quality standards within the NHS has been highlighted in a report from Public Health England, NHS Right Care and NHS England.

According to the latest NHS Atlas of Variation in Healthcare, there is a 2.5-fold variation in the percentage of key antibiotics prescribed in primary care for clinical commissioning groups, and a 1.7-fold variation in the percentage of people with diabetes who receive recommended care measures.

There is also a 2.7-fold variation in claims by GPs for direct enhanced services for dementia, suggesting that the NHS is performing variably on a number of issues that are seen as key healthcare priorities.

The report is designed to help commissioners, service providers and health professionals deliver the best possible quality of care.

John Newton, chief knowledge officer at Public Health England, said: "Variations are not always bad. Some can be explained by local circumstance or patient-centred care, but unwarranted variation is very different. While some patients are missing out on the right care, others are being given care they don't need."