Commenting on the launch of the Department of Health’s “NHS Choices” website initiative, Sue Hodgetts, chief executive of the Institute of Healthcare Managers (IHM), which represents the interests of more than 6,000 healthcare managers, said:
“Members of the IHM welcome this excellent initiative, which not only provides patients with more information on where they can be treated, but, just as importantly, gives information about how patients, families and carers can self manage conditions and stay more healthy generally. This is an essential stride in the direction of both putting the patient more in the driving seat.
“However, it also a welcome step in refocusing the agenda so we move away from having a ‘National Sickness Service’ to one where the emphasis will be far more on the ‘health’ element of the NHS. Enabling the media to play its part is particularly welcome, and it is hoped this will enable it to focus on the more positive side of health promotion.
“I am sure that IHM managers on the frontline will work to make this initiative a success and look forward to seeing it rolled out across the country.”
