WIREDGOV

The RCP’s five-point plan for the next government, published yesterday– ‘Future hospital: more than a building’, sets out a series of clear messages to improve patient care and other worthy measures that will bring care closer to the patient

Dr. Mike Smith, Chairman of the Patients Association said,

“It’s been clear to the Patients Association for some time that the RCP – the hospital physicians’ professional organisation - has a vision for the future which puts the patients where they belong - at the centre of a joined-up system of care.  This will be brought about by a local redesign of health care services to bring them closer to the patients’ needs - that is to provide health and social care in their homes or `homes’ within the local community.

As things are at present, lacking such community care, patients are unnecessarily over-whelming the Accident and Emergency Departments in order just to seek the advice of   a health professional. They do not need the highly specialised and very expensive staff and equipment which such Departments are there to provide.  And this can dangerously interrupt the urgent help needed by those who do need such vital, emergency care.

Also, for lack of proper community services, similar patients often have to be admitted unnecessarily to an acute hospital bed for lack of far more appropriate care in the community - making the bed unavailable for those who do need it – the acutely ill. Their life may depend upon the specialised staff and equipment not being needed so not being used by its current, misplaced occupant.

The Patients Association warmly welcomes and fully supports the spirit of the RCP in their endeavours”

Notes for Editors

The Patients Association is an independent national health and social care charity established over 50 years ago and has a long history of campaigning to ensure that the voice of patients is heard within the Health and Social care system.

1. The Patients Association is a campaigning charity, listening to patients and speaking up for change. It has been working for over 50 years to make sure that the patient voice is heard and listened to by policy makers.
2. For further information please contact the Patients Association on 02084239111 or on comms@patients-association.com.
3. To see more information on the Patients Association visit www.patients-association.com

 View report: https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/sites/default/files/future_hospital_morethan_a_building_-_full_docs.pdf