QSIA Policy

Introduction

The NHS Operating Framework is set in a background where financial efficiency is paramount and is driven locally through Cost Improvement Programmes (CIPs). The historic environment for NHS financial efficiency has been a ‘top-slicing’ of budget approach. In order to withstand future financial challenges and achieve expected reductions and efficiency gains the traditional approach has to be wider, with more depth and one that brings about transformational changes to the way services are delivered in order to optimise effectiveness and productivity.

Transformational change requires careful consideration to the impact of quality and safety to ensure no disadvantage to users of our services or to the staff that provide those services. The need to fully consider quality as part of CIP planning is evidenced by the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust Report which shows financial efficiencies driven without recognition of quality standards or application of robust quality assessment can have disastrous effects.

Policy Details