OECD report ‘highlights areas for NHS improvements’

A new report from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has highlighted the areas in which the NHS needs to modernise and improve, according to the government.

The major international study, published this week, has shown the UK is performing well for patients in many areas, including mental health, vaccinations and preventative care.

However, the NHS lags behind many countries in key areas such as cancer, stroke and respiratory disease, despite a significant financial outlay, while pressure from obesity and other lifestyle-related diseases is also on the rise.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley said this is evidence of the need to modernise the health service in order to improve patient outcomes across the board.

The minister added: "I want a modern health service that works around patients and their needs – so that we have an NHS that consistently achieves health outcomes amongst the best in the world."

Earlier this week, the government welcomed news that the Care Quality Commission will be increasing its scrutiny in the assessment of home care services in the UK.