Scottish Government

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Hospital reviews to be held in public for first time

13/06/2005

The Golden Jubilee National Hospital, bought by the Executive for NHSScotland in 2002 for £37.5 million, today undergoes its annual review as the first hospital to have its performance reviewed in public by Health Minister Andy Kerr.

The Minister is going to each of the 15 area-based health boards and seven special health boards to challenge chairs, chief executives and directors about how well their organisations have delivered over the last year.

The reviews will cover key areas such as activity and efficiency,waiting times, regional planning, public involvement, finance and future plans.

Mr Kerr said:

"The NHS belongs to all of us. So it is right that those who manage the service on our behalf are held to account in public.

"The NHS deserves credit for delivering a great service to millions of patients every year that is overwhelmingly viewed positively according to the patients themselves.

"Over the last year, Boards have made real progress in tackling our key priorities of cutting premature deaths from stroke, cancer and heart disease. And latest figures have shown that long waits are being reduced in line with our targets.

"But as well as highlighting success, and giving credit where credit is due, I also want to use these Annual Reviews to scrutinise local performance and drive forward further improvement.

"I want to see an NHS which is better, quicker, closer and safer. These reviews will help us deliver that."

It was announced last month that the Golden Jubilee had carried out 18,509 procedures over the twelve months ending in March 2005, beating its target of 18,362, showing an increase of almost 42 per cent.

Before chairing its Review Board, Mr Kerr said:

"The Golden Jubilee National Hospital has been great news for thousands of patients from all over the country who have chosen to go there for their operations. It offers patients choice, reduced waits and is delivering first class services.

"Patients are delighted with their treatment. It has immeasurably improved the quality of life for many thousands of people who would otherwise have faced long waits.

"It is also making a huge contribution to reducing waits for scans and other diagnostic tests."

The Health Minister also saw two new state-of-the-art orthopaedic theatres. The Hospital carried out 1,535 orthopaedic procedures in 2004-05 - a 26 per cent increase on the previous year.

Mr Kerr said:

"The annual reviews will highlight success and give credit where credit is due. But I also want to use these reviews to scrutinise local performance and drive forward further improvement.

"I believe the Golden Jubilee National Hospital can build on its previous success and further contribute to reducing waiting times for the people of Scotland whilst providing first class care.

"I want to see an NHS which is better, quicker, closer and safer. These reviews will help us deliver that."

The review timetable is: