Accountability in the NHS: Implications of the government's reform programme (UK)

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A new report from the King's Fund warns that the UK government’s reforms risk reducing accountability in the health system, potentially undermining the performance of key NHS organisations as a result.

The report looks at accountability for commissioners and providers of health care in the NHS currently and under the reforms set out in the Health and Social Care Bill. It concludes that the reforms are likely to meet the government’s aim of reducing centralised control but fail to deliver on its commitment to improve local accountability.

The report warns that the weakness of governance arrangements for GP consortia and health and wellbeing boards may result in the new NHS Commissioning Board intervening in the work of consortia to drive performance, undermining the government’s aim of reducing top-down management. It welcomes moves to harmonise the accountability requirements for different types of providers in the hospital sector, but warns that reduced accountability and an over-reliance on meeting regulated minimum standards could lead to reductions in the quality and efficiency of hospital services.

To access the full report, go to: http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/nhs_accountability.html

Maybin, J., et al. (2011). Accountability in the NHS: Implications of the government’s reform programme. London: The King's Fund.