Gail Beer, Consultant Director and Julia Manning, Chief Exec
Stephen Bubb was on the BBC this morning talking a lot of sense about choice. But what do we mean by choice? The current system has limited flexibility due to the commissioning process and contract caps. Choice is only available in as much as the NHS lets you have it. Without a real market place within health between NHS organisations, the private and 3rd sectors choice cannot drive up the quality of care as much as is talked about. NHS organisations are not allowed to fail. Choice of provider is often limited outside of major cities due to a lack of alternative providers. The public need to know this – otherwise they will feel mislead and let down.
If we are to have choice let’s make it relevant, understandable and give the patient and their carers real choices; stick to basics and get that right.
- Treatment when you want it with all providers offering extended times not just 9-5
- Treatment options on implants, prosthetics and drugs with the right to choose to top-up if you want to – choices are currently being denied because of the inability to do this.
- The right to choose a provider nearer to those who care for you
- The right to choose your GP and pathway provider
- Accept some patients don’t want choice
Giving choice makes demands on clinical time in order to explain to patients. Choice requires a less paternalistic approach and partnership with patients needs to be increased. Through working in partnership and giving patients more understanding of their options on treatment we may well see a greater clamour for choice on provider and all the risks that brings with it for organisations who fail to deliver.
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