ABSTRACT
Lord Darzi, an eminent surgeon who in 2007 was ennobled and then appointed as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, has created an important report of the first rank which clearly focuses on many key aspects of care improvement. He has certainly significantly shifted the focus of concern to essentials. There is a new emphasis on quality, on accountability and on individual outcomes – including taking very seriously what patients say about their experiences. In launching his inevitably celebratory report at Westminster Lord Darzi said that ‘For the first time, patients’ own assessments of the success of their treatment and the quality of their experiences will have a direct impact on the way hospitals are funded’. The report indicates areas in which patients should achieve more control. Lord Darzi properly emphasised the necessity of clear information on quality and on patients’ experiences.
