CBI calls for innovation in healthcare

THE CBI is calling for a major shift in the way healthcare is delivered to make better use of NHS resources.

In a new report, the CBI argues that the NHS is targeting resources in the wrong places with too many people being treated in hospitals due to a lack of suitable alternatives.

Instead, the CBI says more care could be delivered at home or in the community  by a range of different providers to reduce costly hospital admissions. It believes these measures could save around £15bn by 2015.

John Cridland, CBI deputy director-general, said: “Businesses have a strong interest in the well-being of the NHS as employers and as taxpayers.

“The NHS today faces some tough choices. The cost of healthcare is rising inexorably, while demand for high-quality services is mounting. And this is happening at a time when the public finances are severely constrained.

“At present, resources are skewed in favour of hospital care but there is considerable scope for treating more people at home, near their workplace or the high street.”

The CBI’s report outlines a number of challenges facing the NHS. These include coping with an ageing population, the rise of conditions such as obesity and alcohol abuse and the prospect of having to treat twice as many patients with long-term and chronic conditions over the next 20 years.

The report highlights examples where the NHS and independent sectors are working together to provide high quality, convenient services at less cost.

Mr Cridland added: “Independent providers are already working within the NHS to provide high quality services for patients including carrying out hip operations and running walk-in medical centres.

“Meanwhile, patients with chronic conditions are making the most of technological advances to ensure that more of their treatment happens in the comfort of their own home.

“The Government must allow the best provider to deliver health services, irrespective of whether they are from the NHS, private or voluntary sectors.”