Hospitals told to ‘get back to basics’ as NHS sets priorities
Hospitals told to ‘get back to basics’ as NHS sets priorities
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Improving A&E and ambulance waiting times are among the top priorities for the NHS in the year ahead, health officials have said. Hospitals have also been ordered to focus on reducing the NHS waiting list. Every year, health leaders in England publish national planning guidance for the health service which sets out key priorities for hospitals and community services.
Last year, 32 goals were set but this year the number will be reduced to give local NHS bodies more freedom to deliver care to patients. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Today we are publishing the NHS mandate which sets out that improving A&E and ambulance waiting times should be among the top priorities for trusts as we set the direction for the health service over the coming year.”.
In a written ministerial statement, he added: “I am refocusing the NHS on making progress towards the 18-week standard. “This year’s operational planning guidance puts these objectives into practice with fewer targets, giving local systems greater control and flexibility over how local funding is deployed to best meet the needs of the people they serve.”.
He said the mandate will help patients “get timely access to a GP appointment” and to deliver Labour’s pledge of more dental appointments. Targets on mental health are also expected. Mr Streeting added: “I am instructing the NHS to focus on the fundamentals and get back to basics. We are giving local leaders clear directions to prioritise cutting elective care waiting lists, improve A&E and ambulance wait times, improve access to GPs and urgent dental care, and solve the mental health crisis.”.
