NHS Report

According to a new report from the health think-tank The Kings Fund, the NHS has made 'considerable progress' during 13 years of Labour Government rule. There were several areas of praise

NICE
The Kings Fund praised National Institute of for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for being a 'big step forward in delivering evidence-based and consistent guidance to the NHS.'

Infections
The report also described as 'successful' the reduction in hospital-acquired infections such as MRSA and C.Difficile whose incidences were down by 34% and 35% respectively since 2007/08.

Waiting times
The reduction of NHS waiting times was also praised. Most people have to wait less than 18 weeks now from when they are given a GP referral.

Improvements
The report cited that the quality of surgery had improved and referred in particular to cardiac surgery.

Cancer
There have been improvements in the access to cost effective cancer drugs.

Criticism
The report said that there was a wide ranging disparity of provision and care across the country and also in comparison to other European countries. They made particular reference to cancer care where there was a big difference in the kinds of treatments given.

They also criticised the mental health services which they felt had failed to improve the quality of life of those with mental illness.