RCS statement on seven day care
18 May 2015
The Prime Minister, Mr David Cameron, today gave a speech on seven-day care in the NHS.
In response, Miss Clare Marx, President of the Royal College of Surgeons, said:
“Mortality is higher for patients admitted to hospital at the weekend, so the Government's commitment to making seven-day care one of its early priorities is very welcome.
“Seven-day hospital care must be consultant-led to ensure timely intervention and better outcomes for acutely unwell patients. We must also ensure there is seven day access to key services and facilities in hospitals, like pharmacy, radiology, and physiotherapy, and support available in the community for the next steps in a patient’s treatment.
“This move will require significant change in the NHS. To aid NHS planning, the Government or NHS England should commission and publish in-depth financial modelling of the anticipated cost of seven-day services and skill shortages.”
Notes to editors
The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care.
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