7 days NHS refers to the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, and the goal is is to provide seven-day-a-week access to healthcare services for patients. This includes access to GP surgeries, diagnostic tests, and routine operations. Let’s learn more about the 7 day NHS in this blog post.
What exactly is7 days NHS plan?
In 2013, NHS England suggested that regular services be accessible seven days a week on the NHS, arguing that this would result in more patient-focused treatment, better clinical outcomes, and lower costs. In order to determine how a seven-day service could be achieved, it established the NHS Services, Seven Days a Week Forum, originally focusing mainly on access to urgent and emergency care and assisting diagnostic services (like X-rays and scans).
Later, the Five Year Forward View (FYFV), the strategic plan for NHS England for the years 2015 to 2020, asked for hospital patients to have access to seven-day services “where this would improve the result of their care.” The idea that they and the NHS are not already allies has enraged many health professionals.
What is the purpose of the 7 days NHS long term plan?
The purpose of the 7 days NHS long term plan is to improve patient outcomes and reduce waiting times by providing seven-day-a-week access to healthcare services for patients in the United Kingdom.
The plan aims to ensure that people can receive medical care when they need it, rather than waiting until the following week when regular services resume. The 7 days NHS long term plan addresses this by increasing the capacity and capabilities of primary care services, such as GP surgeries, and by providing more options for diagnostic tests and routine operations.
Additionally, the plan aims to reduce pressure on A&E departments by providing more options for primary care. By doing so, the 7 days NHS long term plan aims to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, with the goal of providing better access to healthcare for all.
What do the 7 days of NHS services mean to patients?
The 7 days of NHS services mean that patients will have access to healthcare services seven days a week, rather than only being able to receive care during the traditional workweek. This includes access to GP surgeries, diagnostic tests, and routine operations.
This means patients will have more options and flexibility to receive medical care when they need it, which can improve patient outcomes, reduce waiting times and increase convenience.
Additionally, patients will be able to see the same doctor or healthcare professional more frequently, which can improve continuity of care and lead to better outcomes. Overall, the 7 days NHS services can provide patients with better access to healthcare services, which can lead to improved health outcomes and higher levels of satisfaction with the care they receive.
The benefits of 7 days of NHS services
Improved patient outcomes: By providing seven-day-a-week access to healthcare services, patients can receive medical care when they need it, leading to better health outcomes.
Reduced waiting times: With 7 days of NHS services, patients will no longer have to wait until the next week to see a doctor or receive a diagnostic test, which can reduce the amount of time they spend waiting for care.
Increased convenience: 7 days NHS services offer more convenient options for patients, particularly those who work during the week and may find it challenging to take time off to see a doctor.
Better continuity of care: With 7 days of NHS services, patients are able to see the same doctor or healthcare professional more frequently, which can improve continuity of care and lead to better outcomes.
Reduced pressure on A&E: By providing more options for primary care, 7 days of NHS services can reduce the number of patients going to A&E for non-emergency care, thus reducing pressure on emergency departments.
Improved patient satisfaction: By providing more convenient and accessible healthcare services, patients are likely to be more satisfied with the care they receive.
Wrapping it up
The whole of the UK needs GPs to develop new methods of operation in order to provide appointments at times that are convenient for hard-working individuals because we live in a 24/7 world. Hence, this is a welcoming option to many. JP Medicals, one of the best suppliers of locum nurses for both NHS and private hospitals in the UK, would like to know what you feel about the 7 days NHS in the comment section below.