Unfortunately some of our health and social care system falls behind many of our EU neighbours on a number of key health measures, such as cancer survival rates.

There is no doubt that our health and care system needs to deliver a much improved service with better outcomes for patients.

The Department of Health is right in stating that:

1. There needs to be more focus on improving quality, as poor quality care costs more money – if hospital acquired infections are not tackled, or if there are no steps to prevent falls among older people, it can cost the NHS billions of pounds every year

2. Services need to be joined up more effectively – patients who need support from both health and care professionals too often find their needs aren’t met, because health and social care professionals don’t work together locally

3. About half of all deaths in this country are preventable, so more needs to be done to encourage people to look after their own health by eating well and exercising more

4. Health costs are rising because of an ageing population and advances in medical technology so steps need to be taken now to cut waste and improve performance

More details are at: http://healthandcare.dh.gov.uk/context/quickguide/