The NHS must not return to the care levels seen in the 1980s and
1990s, when a slowdown in spending had a negative impact on
patients, according to a top Monitor representative.
Speaking at Deloitte's Midlands Foundation Trust Dinner, Stephen
Hay, chief operating officer at Monitor, the body responsible for
regulating NHS foundation trusts, said: "It is imperative that we
avoid the 1980s and 1990s scenarios when a slowdown in real growth
in NHS spending, followed by negative growth, led to cuts in
services, which affected patient care, resulting in unacceptably
long waiting lists and a lack of focus on quality.
"The NHS in the '10s must deliver high quality care for all and
reduce its costs to deliver services more efficiently."
Mr Hay said NHS commissioners and providers needed to work
together to deliver the objectives of foundation trusts
economically, whilst maintaining and building quality services for
patients.
"Cooperation between trusts on certain services could result in
quality improvements as a result of greater clinical scale and
improved financial viability through efficiency savings," he
said.
"Government policy to implement a shift towards community
services is also an important step, particularly for patients who
have long-term conditions, rehabilitation needs or who require
end-of-life care.
"Ultimately, an all foundation trust economy, where all
organisations are well governed and financially strong would be
better placed to deal with the challenges ahead and deliver the
cost savings required."
More than 40 people attended the Midlands Foundation Trust
Dinner, which was hosted by Gus Miah, partner in the healthcare and
public sector assurance and advisory practice at Deloitte in
Birmingham.