The focus on NHS efficiency is likely to sharpen in the period up to and after 2008 because of slower growth in expenditure. This publication asks how we can use NHS resources more effectively.
As the NHS works towards achieving financial balance and meeting targets for service improvement, increasing attention is being given to ways of improving efficiency. The focus on efficiency is likely to sharpen in the period up to and after 2008 when the growth in expenditure is likely to slow following the outcome of the comprehensive spending review.
To explore the challenges involved in improving NHS efficiency, the Nuffield Trust held a series of seminars led by experts in this field. The seminars explored three areas: the financial context; where there is scope for using resources more efficiently; and whether the right levers and incentives are in place to bring about improvements in efficiency. This report is a synthesis of the seminars, prepared by Professor Chris Ham, chair of the series.