ABSTRACT
The service planning process consists of a number of stages, each of which may undergo a number of iterations, certainly every year but often more frequently. Diagnostic Resource Groups (DRGs) which were developed for the US insurance industry, often cover unrelated conditions with similar costs – fine for insurers but useless for service planning. One of the biggest challenges of the service planning process is that, in doctors' service plans, doctors must take account of the changes envisaged in their strategic plans and of the resources needed to implement them. As a result of this process of service delivery planning and resource aggregation doctors will have a comprehensive estimate of the resources they need to deliver their key services. The lack of adequate theatre policies and procedures remains a constant backdrop to surgical services. Patients are able to sue NHS Trusts for failure to provide correct diagnosis/treatment.
