Welfare Reform on the Web (August 2004): National Health Service - Primary and Community Care

24:7 ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE: YOUR ROLE IN SUSTAINING FASTER ACCESS AND DELIVERING INTEGRATED, UNSCHEDULED CARE

Department of Health

2004

Describes the role of primary care trust non-executive directors and chairs in sustaining improved access to services and delivering out-of-hours care.

CHRONIC DISEASE: THE NEED TO KEEP A WEATHER EYE ON A COMPLEX MECHANISM

J. Davies

Health Service Journal, vol.114, July 29th 2004, p.12-13

In order to achieve cuts in emergency bed days, the public service agreement on chronic disease management demands improved care in primary and community settings. This is likely to be achieved through the introduction of US-style managed care.

DIFFERENT STROKES

J. Reid and T. Phillips

Society Guardian, July 14th 2004, p.6-7

The NHS and successive Labour governments have failed dismally to recognise the distinct needs of black and ethnic minority patients. Both authors propose a way forward.

FROM ZERO TO HERO

J. Bevington, A. Halligan and R. Cullen

Health Service Journal, vol.114, July 29th 2004, p.26-27

The article explains how Essex Ambulance Service dramatically improved its performance in twelve months. It has developed new roles in providing out-of-hours and emergency care, and focused on raising staff morale through good communication and worker involvement.

MERGER PRESSURES ON PCTS THREATEN TO BLUR LOCAL FOCUS

M. Gould

Health Service Journal, vol.114, July 8th, 2004, p.10-11

Primary Care Trusts are moving towards shared management structures to help meet the challenges of payment by results and patient choice, while not losing their local focus. The article presents a case study of implementation of shared management in Hampshire.