Andrew Lansley calls for modernisation of NHS long-term care

The NHS should adopt the most up-to-date methods of helping long-term care patients, according to health secretary Andrew Lansley.

He suggested the health service has a vital opportunity to modernise its approach in this area and improve efficiency as a result.

Over 15 million people are treated as long-term care patients in the UK and these individuals account for half of all GP appointments, 64 per cent of outpatient attendance and 77 per cent of hospital bed delays.

Mr Lansley stressed it is not up to healthcare workers to fit their treatment around the current system, instead clinicians should attempt innovative initiatives to make progress on a local level.

"People with long-term conditions have some of the most complex health needs in the country and we need to personalise services to suit their needs," he added.

This week, the NHS was encouraged by MPs to abandon its £7 billion E-records system, with the Public Accounts Committee suggesting it is "unworkable".