23/10/06 - Productivity and efficiency indicators

The NHS Institute and the DH have developed a set of 'better care, better value' indicators. The indicators are published on a website, which can be searched according to area, type of trust, and subject.The key findings are:

• There is variation across the country in the efficiency and productivity of the NHS and significant benefits to patients could be delivered if trusts learnt from best practice. 
• Reducing unnecessary admissions could unlock more than £348 million. 
• Reducing wasted bed days could improve patient care and release £510 million a year - freeing up beds for other operations. 
• Improving the discharge process so that patients are discharged when they are ready, not when the system is, could deliver better patient care and release £975 million.

The DH will be providing this information to the NHS on a quarterly basis. NHS trusts will be informed how they compare to similar organisations to help them identify best practice and areas of underperformance. The indicators are primarily aimed at commissioners and acute hospital providers. 
(DH - press release) [NHS Institute news] [BBC news item]