Hospital star ratings to be dropped
Hospital star ratings are to be used for the last time in 2005, according to the Healthcare Commission. From 2006 a new “health check” for the NHS will be introduced.
Consultation is to take place over the next three months which will examine
the exact criteria that will be assessed and the information that will
be published under the new scheme. Members of the public, clinicians
and other health care workers are being invited to comment.
The intention is for the health check to encourage improvement and to
respond to what local people want from their services. It is also to
make it easier for patients to make informed choices by giving them information
on the quality of care in both the public and private sector. The system
is to be broader than the current star ratings and is to cover issues
such as patient safety and the quality of the care environment. Inspections
are to be targeted to areas where there are concerns and information
gathered by health care organisations and other regulators is to be used,
all with the intention of making the procedure less time-consuming for
hospital staff. Spot checks are also to be used to verify the data given.
Those wishing to take part in the consultation should visit www.healthcommission.org.uk,
e-mail feedback@healthcarecommission.org.uk or telephone 0845 601 3012.
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Hospital Pharmacist