Welfare Reform on the Web (Summer 2003): National Health Service - Funding
FINANCE SPECIAL REPORT
Health Service Journal, Vol. 113, June 12th 2003, p.37-42
The report takes an in-depth look at the reform of the financial flows in the NHS. The reforms introduce a series of national tariffs for groups of similar treatments, know as the healthcare resource groups. The more work that trusts do, the more money they will earn. The new system of fixed prices should also facilitate patient choice. The report also covers the impact of the new system on specialist trusts and their influence on risk management.
OBESITY IN SCOTLAND "COSTS THE NHS AS MUCH AS SMOKING"
P. Kelbie
The Independent, June 12th 2003, p.7
One in five Scottish adults is officially classed as obese, an incidence that is putting as much strain on the health service in Scotland as smoking, according to a Glasgow University study.
THE PFI CONTRACT FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF WEST MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Committee of public Accountants
London: TSO 2003, (House of Commons papers, session 2002/03; HC 155)
In January 2001 the West Middlesex University Hospital let a contract under the private finance initiative for the redevelopment of the Trust's site at Isleworth. In this project the Trust's initial public sector comparator cost estimate was lower than the price of the PFI. Fearing not to get Department of Health approval for the deal the Trust and its advisers adjusted the figures so as to make the PFI cost appear marginally cheaper than the public sector comparator.
THE PILOT'S PROGRESS
N. Edwards and H. Mooney
Health Service Journal, Vol. 113, June12th 2003, p.14-15
The article discusses the process in introducing the new NHS pay structure through a range of pilot schemes.
WARNING THAT HEALTHCARE CASH DIVERTED TO HIT SHORT-TERM AIMS
N. Timmins
Financial Times, June 5th 2003, p.3
Many target s in the National Health Service plan may be missed because money intended to develop services is being diverted to hit short term goals, the Audit Commission has claimed.
(See also the Times, June 5th 2003, p.1 and the daily Telegraph, June 5th 2003, p.6)