Saga urges Government not to backtrack too far on health reforms

DR ROS ALTMANN

DIRECTOR-GENERAL, SAGA

PRESS RELEASE

April 6, 2011.

Saga urges Government not to backtrack too far on health reforms 

'U'-turn on health reforms may not please over 50s 

As the government begins its 'listening exercise' on its Health Reform proposals, a Saga survey shows that over 50s support radical reforms of the NHS.   

More than half (59%) of the 12,939 over 50s surveyed would be happier if GPs will, in future, have more control over their long term treatment and healthcare requirements.  This figure increases to 66% amongst the over 70s, who were most supportive of the changes.  A third (33%) of respondents to the Saga Populus poll, thought that GP would do better at finding them the best NHS treatment than the existing Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), and Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs).   

“Whilst listening is good, and taking time to carefully consider such radical change is sensible, the government  shouldn't permit vested interests to derail the reforms, which aim to put patients and GPs at the heart of the new NHS. Older people have great faith in their GPs commitment and ability to get the best possible health outcomes for them from the NHS.  This principle should not be lost during this pause for further consultation,” said Dr. Ros Altmann, Director-General of Saga.   

She added:  'There is obviously room for a broader role for health professionals other than just GPs.  Integration of medical and social care is very important for future success.'

-ENDS-

*The survey was conducted for Saga Private Medical Insurance through the Saga/Populus poll.  12,939 responses were received from Saga members aged 50 and over to its online poll between 11th and 18th February 2011 

Ros Altmann 
Director General 
Saga Group Ltd 
Mobile: 07545 504 513 
Web: www.saga.co.uk 

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations.co.uk

07788 978800

PATIENT TRANSPORT PROVIDER SAVOY MORE THAN DOUBLES TECHNICIAN TRANSFER JOURNEY LEVEL.

SAVOY VENTURES LTD.

NHS PATIENT TRANSPORT

PRESS RELEASE

March 16, 2011.

PATIENT TRANSPORT PROVIDER SAVOY MORE THAN DOUBLES TECHNICIAN TRANSFER JOURNEY LEVEL.

Video: Increase in technical transfers.

Video: What do technician transfers entail?

Patient transport service provider Savoy Ventures has more than doubled the number of technician transfers carried out for South London Healthcare Trust since December 2010.

Technician transfers involve movement of patients who are extremely unwell, who may be attached to life-saving or life-maintaining equipment, and who require highly-qualified ambulance technicians to ensure their wellbeing, or, on occasion, to carry out resuscitation.

“Technician transfers are critical and highly-specialised procedures which can involve the safe transport of people between specialist hospitals or hospital departments – this can include Special Care Baby Unit transfers through to the movement of unconscious, high-dependency adult patients, and are categorised as emergency or blue-light transfers,” said Jonathan Smith, Paramedic and Training Manager with Greenhithe-based Savoy Ventures Limited.

“The ambulances are fully equipped with life-saving aids, and the ambulance technicians – 20 of whom we have added to our team since December – have all undergone crucial upgraded training to ensure patients are in the best possible hands.”

Savoy carried out 60 technician transfers in December 2010, 84 in January 2011 and 153 in February 2011. On average, Savoy carries out up to 900 patient transfers each day.

Savoy Ventures Limited is a private company providing patient transport and transfer services to NHS Trusts in the South East of England. Established in 2006, Savoy makes more than 240,000 patient transfer journeys a year. Savoy Ventures Limited is engaged by a number of NHS Trusts to carry out blue-light transfers, specialist wheelchair, incubator, bariatric chair or stretcher transport, notes/X-ray transfer, and movement of tissue between hospitals. Many staff are trained and qualified to Ambulance Technician level.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations.co.uk

07788 978800

www.savoyventures.com