‘One stop shop’ plan for NHS

Sep 26 2007 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

NEWCASTLE hospitals could give patients a ‘golden thread’ of seamless treatment if they became the main focus for health care in the future, according to the trust.

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust which runs the Freeman, Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) and the General is proposing a less layered approach to healthcare.

Chief executive Len Fenwick believes the hospital trust could expand its role to take on providing community services such as care for the elderly, sexual health, diabetes and chronic diseases from the Primary Care Trusts.

He believes centralising the services at the hospital trust would enable the Primary Care Trusts North of Tyne to focus on commissioning rather than providing services. The result would be a ‘single integrated organisation’ improving the quality of services for patients.

Mr Fenwick said: “We want patients and carers alike to experience the ‘golden thread’ of a seamless treatment pathway, from initial diagnosis through to treatment, after care and rehabilitation.”

No decision have yet been made.