In the often-confusing world of the modern NHS, GPs remain the central advocates for patients and their families. Our role in ensuring that people receive high quality care has never been more important.
Nevertheless, we have a duty to make sure the care we provide is well-planned, financially as well as medically. There is always the danger that cutting costs will reduce the quality and continuity of care – but that does not mean that we cannot spend our money wisely whilst maintaining – or even improving – standards.
To examine these issues, local GPs have been meeting the Addenbrooke’s Hospital GP Liaison Group on a monthly basis to consider new designs for local healthcare. We are trying to find ways of working that will benefit patients whilst at the same time proving financially acceptable.
At the moment we are examining the paths patients follow through the NHS, from their first visit to the GP to their eventual discharge from hospital. We’re analysing common conditions in 17 different specialties – with the aim of providing alternative routes, with more care being provided in the community.
The work has revealed some imaginative ways of enhancing interaction between the community and hospital teams which will benefit patients. We’ve found that we can reduce waiting times for treatment, provide services closer to home, make trips to hospital go more smoothly when they’re necessary, and reduce unnecessary follow-up appointments. At the same time, our patients still have access to the high-tech, top-quality facilities provided at Addenbrooke’s.
Discussions about money are never far away in the NHS – but it’s vital to remember that the people who use our services must always come first. As always the GP Liaison Group will remain the advocate of patients, and will strive to ensure that new designs for healthcare lead to high-quality, integrated medicine that is, most importantly, tailored to the individual.
Dr Peter Gough
Chairman
Addenbrooke’s Hospital GP Liaison Group |
