NHS: New guidance for PCTs to improve services

Primary care trusts (PCTs) have been urged to engage better with patients and the public by the Department of Health.

Named Duty to Involve, the guidance published today is set to help the public in having a say on decisions about local health services, made by their respective PCT.

It follows Lord Darzi’s review of the NHS earlier this year, which recommended that any changes to NHS services should be locally led, transparent and for the benefit of patients.

The advice is also planned to see feedback on public consultations made more available and will see materials including leaflets, presentations and regional briefings provided.

An increase of patient involvement would also allow local NHS organisations’ staff to give more personalised care, along with developing the services to meet the needs of the population.

Health minister, Ann Keen, said: “Feedback from patients is one of the most powerful tools available to the NHS to help improve services, which is why the Duty to Involve has been strengthened.”

Set to take effect next month, the advice is additionally set to be a part of the NHS Consultation which is due to be implemented next year.

The news comes as Oxfordshire PCT has introduced a scheme of paying GPs to reduce the number of patients they refer to hospital.