Request
Please provide:
1.All SHA evaluations of the possible impact of the economic downturn on regional commitments related to the next stage review. This includes but is not confined to minuted discussions in internal meetings, powerpoint slides and excel spreadsheets.
2. Copies of any written feedback provided to trusts and PCTs regarding such evaluations, including meeting minutes, letters and emails.
If this exceeds the limits laid down by the Act, please prioritise the first part of the request.
Our Response
I refer to your email requesting information in respect of NHS East Midlands’ evaluations of the possible impact of the economic downturn on regional commitments related to the next stage review.
I can confirm in accordance with S.1 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 that we do not hold the information that you have requested.
We have not yet undertaken evaluations of the possible impact of the economic downturn on our regional commitments related to the next stage review. This is work we are about to commence and so we will be in a position to provide details next year. NHS East Midlands is also yet to provide written feedback to local Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) regarding these evaluations.
I would like to take this opportunity to assure you that NHS Funding will continue to grow by around 5% in 2009/10 and by the same amount in the following year. NHS East Midlands remains committed to the ten year vision for improving quality as set out in From Evidence to Excellence – our clinical vision for patient care which provides a high level framework for the delivery of world class healthcare over the next 10 years for the people of the East Midlands.
NHS East Midlands and its constituent PCTs are pressing ahead to deliver regional priorities and we will continue to work with PCTs to address the impact of the economic downturn on health commitments. As part of this work, we will be assessing the specific impact of the downturn on our regional priorities to ensure that they improve efficiency and quality.
Quality is central to our approach and we know that very often when we improve quality, the costs are less due to efficiencies in the pathway which in turn is beneficial to patients. This will assist NHS East Midlands in driving forward implementation.
I hope that this information is of use to you. If you are dissatisfied with the way in which we have dealt with your request you can write to:-
Mr Kevin Orford
Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Finance
NHS East Midlands
Octavia House
Interchange Business Park
Bostock's Lane
Sandiacre
Nottingham
NG10 5QG
If at the conclusion of any review you remain dissatisfied you may complain to the Information Commissioner who can be contacted at:-
The Office of the Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
