RCS report calls for holistic approach to surgical service reform

The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) has published a report suggesting that the whole pathway of care for patients must be considered in any proposed reforms to surgical and medical services.

In a new report entitled Reshaping Surgical Services: Principles for Change, the organisation suggests that reforms need to encompass everything from GP-delivered primary care to diagnostic tests, hospital treatment, discharge, follow-up and rehabilitation.

It highlighted the importance of decisions being motivated by a desire to improve care quality rather than triggered by financial pressure, while also making sure that any discussions are conducted in an open and transparent manner, with patients' views taken into account.

RCS president Professor Norman Williams said it was vital that politicians, clinicians and managers work together to ensure that any reforms to the NHS are carried out successfully.

He added: "The focus when reshaping services must be delivering improvements in patient care, and patients and their families must be fully involved in this process."

Last week, Professor Williams hailed the news that the UK's first hand transplant has taken place in Leeds, saying this is another example of the "life-changing surgical advancements that are now possible".