30 August 2011

Consultation to cut NHS red tape

A consultation has been launched by the Department of Health in an attempt to cut some of the NHS red tape.

Launched on 30th August, it will run for the next 12 weeks. The consultation proposes that up to 25% of all current data returns commissioned by the Department of Health and its arms-length bodies should be discontinued. This might lead to savings of approximately £10millions.

Patient groups, research organisations, academic institutions and NHS trusts are now being asked for their views on proposals to streamline data collections across health and social care.

The consultation builds on the government’s commitment in the NHS White Paper, Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS to undertake a fundamental review of data returns.

Public Health Minister, Anne Milton said, “Meaningful information is the lifeblood of the NHS. The data we collect must be of real value to help us improve patient outcomes, patient choice and clinical decisions. We know that some of the data that is being gathered is of limited use, taking up valuable staff time and resources.

“This is why we want to cut red tape in the NHS so that staff can focus on what matters most – improving frontline care and services for patients.”

Full details on the consultation can be found on the Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_129725.