Vote of confidence in NHS Direct
31 Oct 2008
Following the NHS Next Stage Review and a short review of NHS Direct’s operating and commissioning models, it has become clear that the organisation’s role, particularly around major incidents, is of strategic national importance.
This has led to the Department of Health agreeing with NHS Direct that the traditional model of Foundation Trust may not be the most appropriate at the moment, given that one of the organisation’s strengths is its national operating model.
Key role to play
The Department recognises that NHS Direct is a high performing organisation which has a key role to play nationally, and in partnership with local NHS organisations, in the implementation of the NHS Next Stage Review. The Department will therefore look to work with NHS Direct on a package of freedoms for the organisation that will best enable it to enhance its role.
Matt Tee, NHS Direct Chief Executive, said:
“NHS Direct is a world-class leader in the delivery of health care in an increasingly multimedia environment. Remaining accountable to the Department of Health provides a line of sight that is necessary for the delivery of a service to over 50 million people”.
“The move to a lead SHA commissioning arrangement coupled with a membership of over 16,000 will ensure that we continue to develop services to respond to the opportunities of the NHS Next Stage Review as well as deliver better services to our users”.
