NHS Providers view: seven-day services
To make this ambition a reality, the NHS will need to overcome a number of barriers, as well as reform, update and modernise the three main NHS staff contracts.
This position statement outlines our view on the policy and what needs to happen before it can be implemented.
Barriers to implementation include:
- the need for a clear definition of what is meant by seven-day services;
- making sure the right staffing and funding levels are available to support the introduction of seven-day services and to ensure that services on other days of the week are not compromised;
- a need to change the three main NHS staff contracts to support the consistent introduction of seven-day services;
- the need for reform of the wider health and care system.