Dr Foster, at this year's annual NHS Confederation conference, has put together an in-depth financial view of the NHS, the challenges it faces where savings can be made and ideas for the future.
Our headline story is that Dr Foster has identified over £750 million worth of potential savings across six efficiency indicators. Five of the indicators are standard industry measures, but Dr Foster has undertaken research to develop an indicator examining GP referral rates. Although this is still an indicator in the early stages of development it is sure to trigger a debate on the rate of referrals that do not result in any further action. The full research on savings and GP referral rates can be found here.
The front page identifies the total savings for each PCT by ONS code.
On the inside the new Chair of the House of Commons Health Select Committee, Stephen Dorrell MP outlines the role the NHS will play in shaping the fortunes of the coalition Government. Four experts offer contrasting views on how to get more for less from the NHS. Andrew Vallance-Owen of Bupa, Julia Margo of Demos, Pam Garside of the Judge Business School and Andrew Haldenby of Reform all offer their suggestions.
As public health rises up the political agenda the DF Times looks at a successful stop-smoking campaign run in Birmingham East and North, with its striking imagery and award winning online viral add. We also review the cost benefits of social marketing in both the immediate and long-term.
The back page offers a patient's view of the GP/patient relationship as Claire Fox, Director of the Institute of Ideas, outlines what turns her off about GP sermons on primary care. Roger Taylor, Director of Public Affairs for Dr Foster sums up the publication and asks the question about restoring the reputation of the NHS in the public's conscious.
Then there is the Sudoku to test the brain as well as a competition to win £6000 worth of Dr Foster analytics time to review an aspect of efficiency.
Download edition 1 of the DF Times.
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