A major reform to primary care will be announced later this year, as the government ‘refreshes’ the NHS mandate to reflect the findings of the Francis report.
NHS England has proposed a “vulnerable older people plan” to improve support for older people and those with long-term conditions.
The organisation believes the NHS should make better use of resources because of the challenging financial climate in the UK.
Speaking to the Guardian, Sir David Nicholson, NHS England’s chief executive said: “We must also focus on renewing the NHS so it can stay true to its founding principles for the next 65 years. The world moves on and all institutions must adapt to survive.
“The expectations of our patients are changing as technology empowers us all through better information. This is a good thing and openness and transparency needs to be at the forefront of what we are trying to do.”
The government is also proposing to make a number of targeted changes to the current Mandate objectives that are thought to be essential to achieve improvements in people’s care.
Royal College of Nursing (RCN) chief executive Dr Peter Carter said: “Dealing with rising numbers of older people in need of care is a challenge across the NHS, and the infrastructure of the service must reflect that need.
“It is essential to provide the necessary resources and support to make the NHS of the future meet all the needs of patient-centred care.”
The consultation closes on 27 September 2013, and changes will be implemented in 2014/15.
