That was the message from Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey as he met with the Health Committee today to discuss Health and Social Care Trusts’ efficiency proposals. Each of the Trusts will now consult on a number of their proposals before any final decisions are made.
Over the next three years each government department must deliver 3% efficiency savings, equating to a challenging target of £344million for health and social care alone.
The minister said, “There is no doubt that delivering the efficiency savings for health and social care will be difficult to achieve. It is a monumental amount of money to squeeze from a system that is already operating within limited resources. Difficult decisions will have to be made. I am very clear, though, that the delivery of the best possible care for patients is at the forefront of my mind throughout this process. There will only be change if it is change for the better.
“Let me also be clear - efficiency savings are not cuts. I know they are often wrongly perceived as such, but the money we release is not taken out of the system, it is reinvested back into front line services, to areas where it is needed most.”
Each of the Health and Social Care Trusts have developed proposals to achieve the efficiency savings needed. The minister outlined how some 84% of the savings would be achieved through savings in pharmaceutical expenditure, procurement initiatives, administration costs through the Review of Public Administration and improved productivity. He also explained how the proposals recognise the strategic change of direction that is currently underway within health and social care.
The minister said: “Patients and users, time and again, tell me they want to be cared for in their own home or in their local communities. This is also the main thrust of ove arching documents such as the Bamford Review. Trusts are therefore proposing reduced levels of hospital care, so the elderly and those with a mental health illness or a learning disability, for example, can be supported to live more independent lives.
“In this instance, staff would move from frontline hospital care into our communities and this will lead to a more effective use of staff and their skills. I am confident that, should there be any reduction in posts, these can be achieved without compulsory redundancies.
“Each of the trusts will now consult on a number of their proposals over the next five months. I would encourage everyone to engage positively in this process and take time to understand these complex and wide-ranging proposals. It is an opportunity to make your views known. If people are concerned about any of the proposals, I would be particularly interested in hearing alternative suggestions on how the efficiencies can be achieved.”
The minister concluded: “I fully recognise that our health and social care system must become more efficient. Much progress has already been made. Our productivity is improving, most notably in the significant reduction in waiting times for surgery, diagnostic and outpatients appointments.
“The reality is, however, that no matter how efficient we become, patients and clients won’t get the same standard as in England, unless we address the significant funding gap with which we are faced. Year on year investment in our services is essential if we are to meet the increasing demands of our population and provide them with the system they deserve.”
Notes to Editors:
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