As we finalise our formal response to the latest consultation on simplifying the CRC, we detect a case of extreme consultation fatigue among members – to the extent that some of them are struggling to see value in the consultation process. This is probably the result of over-consultation and under-revision. However, it occurred to us that it might simply be the fact that we had submitted all our responses in the form of prose. We wondered whether our views might be more acceptable to DECC if they were presented in the more alluring form of poetry… (more…)

Technorati Tags: CRC, DECC, efficiency, energy

… and I think it’s safe to say that health and social care has experienced probably the most tumultuous year in a long, long time. The shakeup of the NHS has created a lot of stirring and excitement, but mostly we are none the wiser on what the final structure will look like and where responsibilities lie.

Yesterday two important papers were produced by DH, one confirmed that it will be full steam ahead for ‘Liberating the NHS’ and the other said that the centre will tighten control over the budget for 2011/12. A very interesting dichotomy that Paul Corrigan has already emphasized and reiterated at the Intellect Healthcare Christmas Lunch yesterday:

“The Government, when dealing with the hypothesis of how the NHS might operate in the future, argue for liberation and the removal of their interventions from the NHS. However the Government, when dealing with a real live NHS issue – next year’s budget, believe strongly in central control and intervention. This would lead us to believe that they are ideologically in favour of liberation but practically in favour of intervention.”

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Technorati Tags: and everything else, central government, DH, efficiency, ICT, liberating the NHS, NHS

Most of the direct references to ICT in central government can be found in the Cabinet Office business plan. The departmental plans contain some interesting bits, but most of the big bits have been announced previously in the Spending Review, such as HMRC’s plan to invest £900m in recovering additional tax revenue and DWP’s plans for universal credit. The following observations therefore focus on the Cabinet Office plan.

Increased delivery of services online now seems to be enshrined with the commitment to mandate channel shift (1.13.ii). The dual levers of central mandation and departmental budget cuts will likely help accelerate this move. In addition (while it has long been known that online service delivery is vastly cheaper than via other channels) the ‘input indicator’ to publish every department’s cost per citizen transaction on the internet, phone and in person should help give this even greater momentum. (more…)

Technorati Tags: business plan, central government, efficiency, ICT, Obama, procurement

Like the other business plans this one is lacking in detail, although it sets out the strategic areas where funding will be targeted. The key points to take away from the Department for Transport Business Plan are simplifying funding and decision making for smarter and low carbon transport, focus on rail infrastructure (including High Speed), and streamlining back office functions (budget cut 1/3) and enhance frontline delivery. There is a lot of talk bout ‘smart systems’ which industry should capitalise on and promote more widely to both DfT and other transport players. Similar to other areas, transport faces increased demand on the roads, trains and underground but the deficit is cutting away on budgets. It presents the IT industry with opportunities to show how ICT solutions can not only improve efficiency but also increase productivity and capacity.
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Technorati Tags: Department for Transport, efficiency, ICT

Perhaps it is unfortunate that the DH has to write its business plan during a time it is consulting on what the future is to look like. This plan does not include many details on the ‘how’, fortunately industry has a chance to influence how to turn the vision into practical reality. Industry need to showcase innovative ICT solutions and identify what needs to change to meet the vision of better, patient centred care services. Intellect’s ongoing work with DH Informatics Directorate and planned formal response to the Information Revolution will be key aspects to promote this.

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Technorati Tags: Department of Health, efficiency, informatics

Building Britain’s Future (BBF) is Gordon Brown’s redesinged house of UK public services. However, like all reconstruction plans the foundation must remain solid yet flexible in its ability to support the new design.

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Technorati Tags: Building Briatain's Future, efficiency, public service delivery, Role of ICT