Menu
25/11/2010
Atlas Maps Out Variation In NHS
A tool to help the NHS identify unwarranted variation in healthcare services across England was published today by the Department of Health.
The NHS Atlas of Variation highlights the amount each Primary Care Trust (PCT) spends on clinical services and links this with the health outcomes patients see.
Taken from 2009 data already in the public domain, the Atlas assesses for the first time what 152 PCTs across England achieve with the money spent on services for their local population, as compared to other PCTs.
Consisting of 34 maps, the Atlas aims to stimulate awareness and is a tool for health professionals to search for and question why differences may be seen in certain areas. The Atlas will help commissioners learn from one another, consider the appropriateness of a service, and investigate when clinical health outcomes are not reflecting the financial investment that has been made.
Variation occurs naturally in the NHS and is encouraged where the NHS tailors services appropriately to meet the clinical needs of its local patients.
Health Minister Lord Howe said: "I welcome the publication of the NHS Atlas. In order to improve unwarranted variations in services, it is vital to expose existing flaws in the system. While this data predates the Coalition Government, the information is essential to drive improvements across the NHS.
"Our vision is for a patient-centred NHS that achieves health outcomes that are amongst the best in the world. Making this information available to commissioners and patients will help them to identify and address unwarranted variation to better meet the needs of their local populations. Doctors know what treatment is best for their patients and that is why we are getting rid of top-down management and putting them in the driving seat.
"Our historic commitment to protect health spending means that funding for the NHS will increase in real terms every year, so that we can continue to provide the best value from our protected health budget and make every penny count."
(BMcN/GK)
The NHS Atlas of Variation highlights the amount each Primary Care Trust (PCT) spends on clinical services and links this with the health outcomes patients see.
Taken from 2009 data already in the public domain, the Atlas assesses for the first time what 152 PCTs across England achieve with the money spent on services for their local population, as compared to other PCTs.
Consisting of 34 maps, the Atlas aims to stimulate awareness and is a tool for health professionals to search for and question why differences may be seen in certain areas. The Atlas will help commissioners learn from one another, consider the appropriateness of a service, and investigate when clinical health outcomes are not reflecting the financial investment that has been made.
Variation occurs naturally in the NHS and is encouraged where the NHS tailors services appropriately to meet the clinical needs of its local patients.
Health Minister Lord Howe said: "I welcome the publication of the NHS Atlas. In order to improve unwarranted variations in services, it is vital to expose existing flaws in the system. While this data predates the Coalition Government, the information is essential to drive improvements across the NHS.
"Our vision is for a patient-centred NHS that achieves health outcomes that are amongst the best in the world. Making this information available to commissioners and patients will help them to identify and address unwarranted variation to better meet the needs of their local populations. Doctors know what treatment is best for their patients and that is why we are getting rid of top-down management and putting them in the driving seat.
"Our historic commitment to protect health spending means that funding for the NHS will increase in real terms every year, so that we can continue to provide the best value from our protected health budget and make every penny count."
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
18 August 2011
Health Service Gets PM's Attention
The Prime Minister David Cameron and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley today committed to continue listening to patients and health professionals on the future of the health service.
Health Service Gets PM's Attention
The Prime Minister David Cameron and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley today committed to continue listening to patients and health professionals on the future of the health service.
24 March 2011
Patients Getting Improved NHS Care
A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.
Patients Getting Improved NHS Care
A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.
23 September 2004
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
