The shape of things to come

As I write, we are still waiting for the outcome of some very significant government announcements on the NHS. The Elective Recovery Taskforce met over the winter to shape proposals to reduce waiting lists. Although publication of the full report has been postponed from April until later this summer, there have been some interim announcements.  

One of these promoted greater choice for patients and more control over where they receive their care. With waiting lists currently running to 7.4m patients, this will encourage greater choice for patients to attend services that are more convenient and have shorter waiting times.  

The Independent Healthcare Providers Network welcomed this announcement, adding that too often patients are unclear that they have the right to choose a healthcare provider to deliver their NHS care, whether an NHS organisation or an independent sector one, free at the point of use.