By Dr Paul Charlson.
Doctors for Reform has always had the interests of the NHS at its heart and is willing to stand up and make its views public which is the reason why I joined the organisation in the first place.
DfR believes passionately in a health service that provides high quality services to everyone in society regardless of income. Whilst the NHS has many virtues we believe that it could be improved. The current system is unfair and often disadvantages the least able in society.
The current economic downturn has sharply focussed the need to achieve greater efficiencies in public services. The NHS faces enormous challenges in the next few years. If efficiencies are not found then services are bound to deteriorate and important gains over the last few years could be jeopardised. The poorest and most disadvantaged in society are likely to be the biggest losers in a deteriorating system.
To continue to survive and improve in its quality the NHS must not only become more efficient it in how it supplies its services it must also act on demand. This means increasing the public’s responsibility for its own health both in the use of services and in leading healthier lifestyles. Government can only lead the horse to water.
Not only must the public change its attitude but health professionals and managers must also reflect on what they want to achieve. Being prepared to change as a result of evidence from research or feedback must be the cornerstone of development of future services.
Morale amongst those working within the NHS is low and the motivation to change has all but disappeared. I believe this is due to an over bureaucratic and muddled strategic framework which has to simplified to allow the service to become better and more efficient. This should be one of the first tasks of a new Government.
Reports such as NHS Reform: The Empire Strikes Back and Free at the point of delivery: Reality or political mirage? and the soon to be published report on the NHS IT system demonstrate that Doctors for Reform are ready and able to debate the important issues relating to healthcare in the UK. It is vital that debate does not become emotive and polarised but remains balanced and evidence based. It is only by this method will sensible reform of the NHS will occur.
Dr Paul Charlson is a member of the Doctors for Reform Steering Committee
