Consultation launched on NHS data collection improvements

A new government consultation has been launched with the aim of achieving a more efficient system of NHS data collection.

Patient groups, research organisations, academic institutions and NHS trusts are being asked to submit views over a 12-week period on new plans to streamline data collections across health and social care services.

It has been suggested that up to 25 percent of all data returns currently commissioned by the Department of Health and related bodies should be discontinued, with the aim of creating savings of around ten million pounds.

The government is therefore seeking to determine which data collections offer value in terms of improving patient outcomes and care quality, as opposed to those which represent needless bureaucratic hurdles.

Public health minister Anne Milton said: "We want to cut red tape in the NHS so that staff can focus on what matters most – improving frontline care and services for patients."

This comes after the government pledged to continue the listening exercise on its NHS reforms, with a new focus on issues such as education and information use.