Self care supported by information and advice from professionals is a major theme in Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s New Year message on the NHS.
He also pledged to bring in a new constitution for the service – celebrating its 60th anniversary this year – setting out the rights and responsibilities associated with an entitlement to NHS care.
The word “information” appeared three times in the 1,000 word message which made clear that patients and the public would be expected to do more to look after themselves. In healthcare IM&T, the message will underline the importance of moves to give patients access to their records and to the use of technology to monitor long term conditions remotely.
Brown wrote: “We need an NHS that gives all of those with long-term or chronic conditions the choice of greater support, information and advice, allowing them to play a far more active role in managing their own condition in partnership with their clinicians.
“And even when healthy, we know all of us will benefit from earlier information about potential health risks and advice on how we can keep ourselves fit and well.”
The Prime Minister promised “a broadening and a deepening of reform to ensure that the NHS as a whole attaches the same priority to a personal and preventative service as many of you already reflect in your own day-to-day decisions. And I believe they will transform the experience of the NHS for millions of people in this country.”
He also reinforced the importance of the 18 week referral-to-treatment target, writing: “Achievement of the 18 weeks target by the end of the year will mean the shortest waiting times since the NHS was established – almost unthinkable just a few years ago.”
Brown praised NHS staff saying: “The best of NHS care has always depended on its staff for innovation, for commitment and for professionalism and we will continue to draw on your ideas and look for ways to empower you.”