May 18 2004
Patients and health professionals believe that the NHS is getting better, according to a report on modernising the health service.
The annual report of the NHS Modernisation Board says that services are better than four years ago due to changes in attitude and culture since the NHS Plan was introduced.
Responding to the report earlier today, Prime Minister Tony Blair said:
"There is a huge amount still to do, but the contours for reform and change are now clear.
"There is a real change going on in the perception of the services that people are getting."
Mr Blair and Health Secretary Dr John Reid met members of the Board in Downing Street this morning.
The Board is made up of patient representatives, frontline staff, managers and senior health and social care professionals. It meets the Health Secretary every three months to discuss progress on the NHS Plan and guide priorities.
While the report highlights improvements in waiting lists, new facilities and the accessibility of services, it also says there is much to do before everyone in the country feels the benefit. Providing more convenient and responsive services will mean a shift toward treating patients in the community rather than in hospital and encouraging people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Mr Reid said he had asked the Modernisation Board to examine the NHS through the eyes of patients.
"The Board's report shows that throughout the NHS there are dramatically different and better services compared to four years ago when the NHS Plan was launched.
"It shows that the patient-centred NHS is drawing visibly closer. However, I know there is more to be done to ensure that the changes identified in the Board's report are felt by all people, wherever and whenever they access our health system." http://www.number-10.gov.uk