This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Shaping the future of the NHS
09/11/2004
The independent expert group looking at the future of
NHS Scotland is holding a series of regional meetings with
patients and medical professionals round the country in
December.
The Kerr Group, chaired by cancer specialist Professor
David Kerr, will be taking views to help them draw up a
national framework to guide future decisions on how the NHS
is run.
Professor Kerr said:
"We need to plan carefully if we are to provide a
service that provides maximum benefit for patients and
their families. I am well aware of the concerns there are
in some areas, but our job in the National Framework
Advisory Group is to develop proposals that could be
applicable across Scotland.
"The advisory group won't be making recommendations on
local service change. Instead, we've been tasked with
drawing up a blueprint for the health service that will set
out shared principles for service improvement.
"We hope this will help Ministers to reach a view about
how health care can be best delivered in Scotland.
"We are issuing a newsletter to all NHS staff and to a
wide cross section of the public. People should look out
for it in their GP surgery or in their local hospital.
"We will also be holding local meetings in a number of
venues across Scotland. But we are conscious that not
everyone can make it to these venues. That's why we have
already met with interested parties in other smaller
meetings, and we will continue to do so according to
demand.
"All views will be taken into account by the advisory
group as we prepare our plans. We expect to report to the
Minister in the Spring of 2005."
Health Minister Andy Kerr said:
"We need to take a hard look at how the NHS can continue
to provide top-quality health services in the future.
"Patients expect that their care will be personal to
their needs, as local as possible, as specialised as
necessary and of the highest quality. We are totally
committed to delivering that.
"It is clear that long-term decisions need to be
informed by a national framework, built on the best
evidence.
"That is why we have established an independent advisory
group, chaired by renowned cancer specialist Professor
David Kerr, to lead work to develop this framework.
"I want to see as wide a discussion as possible so that
the advisory group can deliver a bold and confident vision.
That means listening carefully to frontline staff,
patients, carers and the general public."
The public meetings (all 7-9 pm) will be held at:
- Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, December 1
- Inverness Drumossie Hotel, December 2
- Edinburgh Usher Hall, December 6
- Dundee Caird Hall, December 13
- Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, December
15
Because of space limitations, places at each venue will
be provided on a first-come-first served basis.
Those wishing to attend one of these meetings should
write to: Freepost Plus, RLRS-EHHE-JTXC, Room GE16, St.
Andrew's House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 DIG, or email:
nhsfuturedebate@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Comments by post or email are also welcome.
In addition to the public meetings, the Group have also
produced a leaflet seeking views, which will be distributed
throughout the NHS for staff and patients.