NHS topics

Question 1

Role of private sector:

Answer 1

Private practice doctors: usually NHS consultants in spare time
External providers: eg Virgin care, commissioned by CCGs

Question 2

Issues with private sector

Answer 2

Aim: increase capacity and efficiency
Companies may favour making profit over care
– NHS not always good care (Mid Staffs)
Private companies cherry pick easy profitable cases
– NHS should take more complex cases
– if not profitable tariff should be recalculated
Fragmentation of care -> more travelling, less communication
Private companies reluctant to train NHS staff in key services
Conflict of interest for doctors: companies partly owned by doctors

Question 3

Patient Choice:

Answer 3

Made legal right

Choice of hospital, private provider

Question 4

Pro/Cons Patient Choice

Answer 4

can chose based on
– reputation, waiting time or location
Reduces DNA rates
Good services may suffer long waiting times
Patients find it difficult to choose
– defer to doctor choice
Discussing choices increases consultation times

Question 5

Direction of NHS: reports

Answer 5

Darzi report,
white paper,
Health and social care act 2011

Question 6

Direction of NHS themes

Answer 6

Emphasis on quality:	
-- quality standard: payment by CQUIN/QOF
Increased control for patients; 
--shared decision making
-- Better access for patients
-- Better information for patients
Emphasis on prevention
-- Increased risk management