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“Hip replacement surgery is a procedure that successfully improves the lives of tens of thousands of people each year. However, the current process for introducing new hip prostheses into the NHS cannot always ensure long term effectiveness, and if a hip prosthesis performs poorly, it can have serious consequences for the patient. We have also found variations in practice between NHS trusts and between orthopaedic consultants on a range of issues such as the purchase of hip prostheses, supervision of surgery, length of patient stay in hospital, and follow-up after operation. In these and other areas, all trusts and consultants need to follow good practice for the benefit of patients. My Report also contains a list of 19 questions patients can ask in connection with their hip replacement.”

“The NHS continues to make improvements in its financial control over the £36 billion spent by Health Authorities and NHS Trusts. However, more work is necessary to ensure that accounting for these large sums fully and clearly reports the financial position of health authorities and NHS Trusts on a consistent basis.”

“This winter has reminded us again of how crucial it is that hospitals manage their bed stock effectively. We have found significant variations in performance between hospitals in admitting and discharging patients, and managing beds. Failing to place patients promptly in the most appropriate facilities, cancelling their admission, or delaying their discharge from hospital can cause enormous frustration and distress. More hospitals should follow the good practices we have highlighted to help improve the overall quality of service to patients.”

“Hospital acquired infections are a huge problem for the NHS. They prolong patients’ stays in hospital and, in the worst cases, cause permanent disability and even death. By implementing the NAO recommendations the NHS could make real improvements in the quality of care for patients and could free up significant additional resources for patient care.”

Sir John Bourn, head of the National Audit Office, reported to Parliament today that NHS Acute Trusts in England held medical equipment with an estimated replacement value of some £3 billion. In 1996-97 they spent some £220 million on acquiring medical equipment annually and a further £120 million on maintenance. Figures for 1997-98 are similar. Medical … Read more