HC Deb 25 July 1989 vol 157 cc666-7W
52. Mr. Neale

To ask the Secretary of State for Heali.h what conclusions he draws from work on analysing performance indicators.

Mr. Mellor

The booklet "Comparing Health Authorities" published by the Department in April 1988, copies of which are in the Library, gave examples of some of the conclusions drawn from work on analysing performance indicators. These includeCost per case for acute in-patient care: Even when standardised for specialty mix and the costs of teaching hospitals and London, this Indicator in 1986–87 showed that costs in some districts are more than 15 per cent. higher or lower than might be expected. Length of stay: The Indicator for average length of stay in general surgery in 1986–87, standardised for age, sex and clinical condition, showed figures in some district s over 40 per cent. more than the national figure and in others more than 30 per cent. less. There are similar variations for other specialties. Throughput: Throughput for general surgery in 1986–87 standardised for age, sex and diagnosis was in some districts over 40 per cent. higher than the national average and in others over 30 per cent. lower than the national average. There are similar variations in other specialties.

These show marked scope for improvements in performance by significant parts of the service.

56. Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on establishing performance indicators.

81. Mr. Day

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress in establishing performance indicators.

Mr. Mellor

Sets of performance indicators have now been published by the Department for 1983–84, 1984–85. 1985–86 and 1986–87. Indicators have been increasingly important in review cycles establishing a key role in addressing variations in performance. Last year districts were asked to carry out an analysis of the four-year trend in their indicators and to report to their authority members. This underlined the role of indicators in the monitoring and management of services at the local level. Research completed in 1987 showed widespread acceptance and use of the indicators by all levels of Health Service management.