Case for change
In the 1960s, many London hospitals developed around the district general hospital model, providing a similar range of services for very different populations.
However, in the past 50 years the way we deliver hospital treatment has significantly changed. Medical advances such as angioplasty and statins for the treatment of heart disease, thrombolysis (clot-busting drugs) for the treatment of stroke, and imaging such as MRI and CT scans have drastically changed how we prevent, diagnose and treat routine and serious illness.
Despite these changes, the pattern of services has changed very little in response to these developments, and London hospitals still largely function as stand-alone entities, often with limited links to other parts of the health service.
As the NHS in London works to transform healthcare services, the belief that locally-based hospitals can be all things to all people must be challenged if we are to improve efficiency and patient outcomes.
Specialist centres for stroke and major trauma (seriously injured) patients are currently being developed. Strong clinical links between these centres and neighbouring hospitals will play a vital role in a patient’s long-term recovery.
In addition to this, polyclinics will provide more community-based care and will strengthen the relationship between GPs and local hospitals.
Examples of how and where patients will be treated are illustrated in our case studies.
