Off target
THE Scottish Government yesterday ignored key recommendations on the use of NHS targets by their own appointed expert.
Sir Harry Burns spent a year examining targets and indicators in health and social care after a series of appalling failures.
Burns, former chief medical officer and director of global public health at Strathclyde University, recommended axing a key cancer target as well as the general referral to treatment standard.
He said: “I am just not sure we should be squeezing people into making a decision on a treatment to meet a target when they may need longer to make a decision on their future treatment.
“Good medicine is getting to know the patient, presenting them with very different choices and allowing them time to go through that process.”
But he stated: “Changing targets when they are no longer relevant needs a bit of political courage.”
Health Secretary Shona Robison confirmed that targets for cancer, treatment times and A&E “will remain and be built on – informed by the principles in Sir Harry’s report”.
The review follows a succession of failed targets, as highlighted in the Daily Record during the summer, including worsening performances in cancer waiting times and guarantees for waiting no longer than 12 weeks for agreed treatment.
Burns said it was important to look at the wider picture of available beds and staff as well as patient outcomes throughout the hospital in conjunction with A&E figures.
Robison said: “Targets and indicators have an important role in giving people clarity on what to expect from health and social care services and in monitoring performance across the country.
“But they can never be an end in themselves. The targets will remain in place but Sir Harry’s report is absolutely right that we must shift