Reform: 2007 a critical year for the NHS

Independent think-tank Reform has stated that the upcoming year will be a vital one regarding the future of the National Health Service.

A report from the group argues that, despite record investment in the health service, its inability to adequately invest in modern services and deal with increasing costs has left the NHS in a weaker position than two years ago.

The think-tank proposes a three-year programme based on patient choice and competition to better suit the health-service to the needs of patients and also includes proposals for a deficit write-off.

Karol Sikora, a member of the advisory council of Reform, said: “2007 is critical for the NHS. If the reform strategy is not escalated, billions of pounds will have been wasted.

We need to change the whole mindset into a consumer focused, competitive and pluralist organisation driving innovation and efficiency.”

She added that this is the mechanism by which all successful service organisations are transforming and urged the NHS to follow suit, stating that the health service has the available resources and skills to make this reform possible.

Earlier this week, the Evening Standard reported that some primary care trusts have a policy of delaying non-essential operations in order to reduce their deficits.