- Prescribing Advice for GPs - https://www.prescriber.org.uk -

'Dealing with the downturn'

The NHS Confederation has published an article in the future of leadership series reviewing the challenges facing the NHS in the coming years as a consequence of financial predictions indications a real term reduction in funding.

This article is aimed at NHS Managers but may be of interest to clinicians because of the recommendations that are made. This article suggests that we learn from history and avoid growing waiting lists, diluted quality and structural change.

Instead, the article proposes strong leadership and radical quality and efficiency improvement. More specific proposals include non-treatment of certain illnesses where there is little proven benefit and restricted funding towards interventions that target lifestyle or cosmetic problems.

Action: Clinicians should be aware of this document and the recommendations it makes. The NHS seems to be in a permanent financial crisis but planning ahead will allow best use of a limited resource.