Improving NHS Performance
Tackling the Elective Backlog
A Spotlight Report on the Implementation and Impact of Surgical Hubs and Diagnostic Centres – November 2023
This report examines decision-making at Surgical Hubs and Community Diagnostic Centres, how NHS England is tackling the elective backlog through innovative means, and the role of medical technology and patient involvement.
The MTG guide for Integrated Care Systems
– September 2023
There is widespread variation in the instance and quality of meaningful patient involvement across the 42 Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) of NHS England. This is seen throughout the structures, policies, and processes of the ICSs, from the omission of patient representatives on decision-making bodies – such as the Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) – to the neglect of clear consultation when decisions are made concerning a patient’s care.
Research and analysis conducted by the MTG has found that where a patient lives is the biggest determinant to whether they are involved in their care meaningfully, or at all.
NHS Backlog Briefing
– October 2022
The backlog of care in the NHS increased significantly during the pandemic, with the highest number of patients waiting for care since records began. Its impact on patients included worsening conditions and poorer outcomes, as well as increasing pressure on the waiting list and wider NHS services.
In this report case studies illustrate how medical technology can be used to help reduce long waits for care. Addressing the backlog, and ensuring patients receive timely care should not come at the expense of patient choice. The MTG is calling for the NHS to ensure that patients voices are heard, and they are given agency in decisions on their own care, particularly equitable access to technology to support their care.
Admissions of Failure
The truth about unplanned admissions in the NHS – November 2015
Unplanned (or emergency) hospital admissions account for more than a third – 5.4 million – of all hospital admissions and two thirds of all hospital bed days. This is bad for the patients admitted in an emergency – disproportionately frail, elderly and poor. It is bad for other patients, disrupting their care and delaying appointments. It is extremely costly to the NHS – the cost was 11 billion GBP in 2010/11 alone.
Tackling unplanned admissions is vital to ensuring the Five Year Forward View is successfully implemented.