Quality pays – but it demands investment

HSJ analysis has found that more than 38 per cent of non-specialist trusts in England are predicting a deficit. In post-Francis austerity Britain, the focus is on value and improving outcomes for the best price. Out-and-out bottom line efficiency is out.

‘Finance and quality are not at opposite ends of a spectrum, but they are in a state of tension’

In theory, quality care can provide better outcomes and lead to savings. However, a Nuffield Trust report one year on from Francis found NHS leaders instead arguing that quality costs. Both are right. Employing more nurses has a price tag. While there are many measures that improve patient outcomes and have the potential to reduce readmissions, the financial benefits of this preventive work may be longer term and not reflected in-year.

Finance and quality are not at opposite ends of a spectrum, but they are in a state of tension. Regulators and government need to face facts about the realities for individual trusts, and this will involve frank discussions about priorities.

HSJ recognises the challenges and our Value in Healthcare Awards, which succeed the HSJ Efficiency Awards, are designed to highlight examples of outstanding efficiency and quality improvement.

Enter by 28 March at hsjvalueawards.co.uk.