‘Focus being placed in wrong areas’ with publication of NHS league tables – SAM statement (10 July)

Commenting on the release today (10 July) of a new NHS England dashboard naming England’s best and worst performing hospitals for waiting times, cancer treatment and other key targets, a spokesperson for SAM, said:

“We are concerned that focus is being placed in the wrong areas, with the risk that introducing league tables, alongside other talk of penalties and ongoing consultations, distracts from the pressing need to deliver meaningful solutions on the ground right now.

“There is real frustration among staff who are working tirelessly every day to deliver good care in very difficult circumstances that concerns are not being addressed adequately and action is not being taken where it matters most.

“Short-term target chasing rarely leads to improvements as, while figures may look better, what goes on behind the scenes to hit a target will often adversely affect patient care – the four-hour A&E target is a prime example of this.”