Transparency in outcomes - a framework for the NHS

The Government’s White Paper, Equality and excellence: liberating the NHS, set out how the Secretary of State for Health will hold the NHS Commissioning Board to account for delivering better health outcomes through a national NHS Outcomes Framework.  The DH are now launching a full consultation and engagement process on how they should develop the NHS Outcomes Framework. The purpose of this consultation is to seek the help of those working in the NHS, patients and the public in developing this NHS Outcomes Framework The consultation document explains and asks for views on: the principles that should underpin the NHS Outcomes Framework; a proposed structure and approach that could be used to develop the framework; the potential outcome indicators  (existing and future) that could be presented in the framework, including the proposed rationales for selection; how the proposed NHS Outcomes Framework can support equality across all groups and can help reduce health inequalities; and how the framework can support the necessary partnership working between public health and social care services needed to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients Included in the overarching indicators is patient safety e.g. minimising avoidable infections and cleanliness The consultation closes on 11 October 2010.