Transforming Health in Bury describes new ways of working for the NHS and our partners that focus on making better use of our resources for the benefit of everyone. Carrying on with some current systems does not make the best use of our resources and this is not a position that can be sustained. We also need to review why there has been such an increase in demand for appointments and treatments locally that has led to the financial challenges we are seeing
Transforming Health in Bury includes a number of projects and initiatives:
- changing some of the ways we work to make them more efficient, having close reins on financial controls and making the best use of every penny whilst maintaining quality
- changing processes to make better use of all NHS services
- redesigning and streamlining services using patient feedback and priorities
- by driving out waste from the system
NHS Bury is experiencing financial challenges which are the result of local and national factors. This means we have to review our spending patterns to make sure that every penny is spent wisely.
The local reasons for the difficulties are the rising levels of appointments and treatments that need to be funded. In order to fund these increases into the future the NHS needs to work smarter.
The national reasons for the difficulties are based on the impact to the levels of public spending made by the recession.
The situation provides us with an opportunity to consider what local people would like to see in the efficient and effective delivery of our local health services.
Everyone has a duty to help make the best use of NHS resources, the NHS belongs to us all. NHS staff, patients and the wider public all have a responsibility and a role to play in making resources go as far as possible, to benefit as many as possible.
Your responsibilities are embedded within the NHS Constitution that states:
- you can make a significant contribution to your own, and your family’s good health and wellbeing, and taking some personal responsibility for it
- registering with a GP practice
- following courses of treatment you’ve agreed to
- always treating NHS staff and other patients with respect
- keeping GP and hospital appointments - or if you have to cancel, doing so in good time
- giving feedback - both positive and negative - about treatment you’ve received
No it is not solely a cost cutting exercise, although one of the objectives of the programme is to make efficiencies where there is currently waste or excess. Maintaining and improving quality of services, based on the priorities of patients is a fundamental principle of the programme and this will be achieved through modernising treatments and care.
No, although it may be necessary for ineffective treatments or services to cease in favour of more beneficial alternatives. All significant service changes will undergo the necessary level of engagement and consultation that is required of us by law.