The development and implementation of NHS treatment centres as an organisational innovation

Bate, Paul, Robert, Gabbay, Gallivan, Steve, Jit, Mark, Utley, Martin, Le May, Andree and Pope, Catherine (2008) The development and implementation of NHS treatment centres as an organisational innovation London, UK. Service Delivery and Organisation Programme: National Institute for Health Research 7pp.

Abstract

The idea for Treatment Centres was first heralded in the NHS Plan (DH, 2000). From a planned small scale introduction of four ‘Diagnostic and Treatment Centres’ (soon renamed as Treatment Centres) in 2001, the plan was to increase the number, range of services and type of provider (with the introduction of the private sector) so that 50 TCs would be operational by 2004/05 (DH,2002). Using the existing Ambulatory Care and Diagnostic Centre at Central Middlesex Hospital (London) and models of surgicentres (developed overseas) as prototypes, the TC model was innovative as it proposed a ‘one-stop shop’ for planned (nonemergency) care. Patients could obtain diagnostic and treatment services under one roof. TCs aimed to reduce inappropriate delays and waiting lists through the separation of elective surgery from emergency and unplanned treatment. By focussing on high volume and routine surgical procedures in orthopaedics, gynaecology, ophthalmology and cardiology, TCs sought to increase efficiency by delivering high volumes of activity and high quality health care using modern methods. This proposed service development was timely for NHS change managers who were seeking ways to make progress towards national waiting time targets and to introduce more patientcentred models of care.Whilst many had not previously considered the TC model, they were eager to explore its advantages at a local level.

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Contributors

Author: Catherine Pope

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