Thinktank calls on NHS to 'embrace innovation'

A leading independent thinktank has called for the NHS to learn lessons from abroad as it attempts to improve standards in healthcare.

Writing for the Guardian, Thomas Cawston, research director at Reform, stated that current systems are "no longer fit for purpose" - including the GP surgery model.

Mr Cawston suggested the UK should look to adapt and better integrate new technologies, as has been seen in several overseas countries.

He highlights the example of MedicallHome in Mexico. For the equivalent of £5 per month, households are granted access to a 24-hour medical advice line. Calls are answered by a doctor within three seconds and almost two-thirds of cases are concluded over the phone.

Mr Cawston also draws attention to the ways in which the LifeSpring Hospital has increased the productivity of doctors and nurses while also tightly monitoring the quality of care by standardising protocols and introducing checklists.

"These examples show how it can be done and the NHS needs to raise its game to keep up. Instead of driving change from the centre, now is the time to set the innovators free," he added.

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