Partnerships can go beyond Choice
Free Choice has brought huge benefits to NHS patients, with
increases in capacity as well as choice of hospital. But this is
only one way in which partnerships with the independent healthcare
sector can reap benefits for patients.
Let us not forget the national independent sector contracts,
which continue to make a positive difference to the NHS in England.
Independent Sector Treatment Centres in many cases have created a
role for themselves way beyond the life of their current contracts,
becoming a true part of the local NHS landscape. Ramsay’s Clifton
Park NHS Treatment Centre, in York, for example, is helping to
improve the life of the medical community as well as patients, by
providing a unique training experience for junior doctors. As these
facilities move further towards local commissioning authority, they
will increasingly evolve to suit the changing needs of the local
NHS.
But Primary Care Trusts are already working with the independent
sector in more beneficial ways. Collaboration between the sectors
at local level has existed for some time, and the partnership has
grown more sophisticated over the years, shifting from short-term
contracting to truer partnerships, with greater innovation in the
planning of services. These can range from weight management and
bariatric services, to community outreach clinics.
The following case study is just one example of how a PCT and a
local independent hospital can be perfect partners.
Pain relief for patients and the NHS Ramsay’s Fitzwilliam
Hospital was approached by NHS Peterborough to develop a Tier II
Musculoskeletal Assessment and Treatment Service (MATS). The two
organisations worked together to best meet clinical care needs,
reduce patient waiting times, and reduce inappropriate referrals to
Orthopaedic Consultants.
All aspects of the service, including staffing, building
works, patient pathways and marketing were designed in a joint
process. NHS services are provided in the community setting of the
Fitzwilliam, with a reception and two assessment and treatment
rooms providing a ‘one stop service’ for patients, with instant
access to Fitzwilliam’s radiology services.
The service is staffed by General Practitioners with a Special
Interest and Extended Scope Practitioners employed by NHS
Peterborough, with input to the service from Fitzwilliam’s
Physiotherapists.
The service is supported by Fitzwilliam Consultants, and
includes a Consultantled Continuing Professional Development
Programme for a hal f day each month for the clinical
practitioners, with close support from the Orthopaedic Consultants
and Radiologists with patient case presentations.
This innovative, patient-focused service was nominated for a
2008 Independent Healthcare Award.