News / HFMA joins united voice on clinical engagement
The HFMA joined forces with the Audit Commission and several clinical professional bodies to release a joint statement in February calling for clinicians to take more control of NHS funds to improve the quality of care.
The statement said that improvements in the quality of care would only be achieved if there was strong involvement of local clinicians in the management of the service. This meant ensuring clinicians have the understanding, tools and ability to manage resources effectively. The organisations set out practical steps to put these tools in place.
The HFMA published its own briefing on clinical engagement* at the end of 2008. Chris Calkin, HFMA immediate past chairman, who led the association’s work on engaging clinical staff in financial management, said: ‘NHS management has been striving for years to move decision-making close to the patient and involve clinicians in the decision-making process. But making further progress in this area has never been more important. If we are to meet the challenge of delivering 21st century health services, it is vital that we engage positively and proactively with clinicians.’
He added :’The increasing demands and developments in health services can only be met by working together with clinical colleagues to deliver effective and efficient services that the consumer and the taxpayer demand.’
In addition to the HFMA and Audit Commission, other signatories include the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the Department of Health, the NHS Institute and the Royal College of Nursing.
Related content
The Institute’s annual costing conference provides the NHS with the latest developments and guidance in NHS costing.
The value masterclass shares examples of organisations and systems that have pursued a value-driven approach and the results they have achieved.