Lack of joint working 'threatens patient care'

摘要

Failure to improve joint working between the NHS and councils risks duplication, 'cost-shunting' and worse treatment of care patients, an Audit Commission survey has found. In a study published on 1 December, the spending watchdog reported 'patchy progress' between local authorities and health services in driving integration, despite the opportunities to deliver efficiencies and health outcomes over the next three years. Under the Department of Health's quality, innovation, productivity and prevention (QIPP) plan, NHS bodies must help deliver £20bn efficiency savings by 2015, and councils with social care responsibilities anticipate 2.5% spending cutbacks over the current financial year. The report estimates primary care trusts (PCTs) have missed out on /132m savings over the last two years alone by not working with councils to reduce emergency admissions for people aged 65 and over.