Making changes in changing times

British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) annual event began with an introduction from Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, president of BSG. He first commented on the work of the Clinical Services and Standards Committee (CSSC) which undertakes work on clinical services and writes guidelines. He said: “We are very hopeful that we will
soon gain approval from NICE, which means that our guidelines will be acknowledged as meeting NICE standards – a huge step forward for the BSG. The sheer volume of work currently going through the CSSC is amazing, as is the quality of its output.” Prof. Gilmore went on to discuss the sector in general, saying: “This is a time of unprecedented change. We are all being subjected to increasing regulation, and a
greater requirement for evidence-based decision making at a time when the NHS is undergoing its biggest change in 60 years in an absolutely evidence-free environment. Despite all the discussions about integrated care in the community, to those on the ground, it is evident that hospitals are still very much in the front line.” However, on a positive note he went on to say: “I do now sense a realisation from the Department of Health and NHS England that, if there is to be true change in the way that care is delivered, that clinicians need to be involved and need to lead the change.”
 
Read the rest of this story in the upcoming August issue of Clinical Services Journal.