The plan, built on the recommendations of the recently released Kerr Report, is predominately a modernizing exercise but will also create an electronic database of patient records and encourage the use of tele-care. Although the Kerr Report suggested that this begin within three years, ‘Delivering for Health’ outlines a 2007 start date, with completion arriving in 2010.
The plan also included details concerning ’round the clock’ services and advanced tele-care treatments. Health Minister Andy Kerr was enthusiastic about the proposals. This is a fundamental shift in the way we want our NHS to work. As good as the work is that goes on in our hospitals, we have to try to help people avoid having to use those services.
I want to see healthcare that gets out into communities and into workplaces, knocking on doors and talking to people, to identify who it at risk… and helping them take action early, added Mr Kerr.
The British Medical Association welcomed the plan but was keen to stress that it wanted health care specialists involved with its implementation from the start, and that the use of new technologies for storing patient records must be done with public approval.
