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Issued: 4 June 2009
BAPEN Calls on Clinicians and Healthcare Professionals to Learn the Language of Commissioning
The need to engage with Commissioners and to get to grips with the language of ‘World-Class Commissioning’ and ‘Quality’ and what these terms mean in relation to nutritional services is high on the agenda at BAPEN’s 2009 ‘Malnutrition Matters’ Conference (Cardiff International Arena 13-14 October)
Pete Turner, Chair of BAPEN’s 2009 ‘Malnutrition Matters’ Conference says:
“As the UK authority on clinical nutrition, BAPEN is eager to work with commissioners by providing them with information on the clear clinical and cost benefits of nutritional services that meet patients’ needs. We have therefore arranged a dedicated Symposium at this year’s BAPEN conference (Wednesday 14th October) to help all involved in delivering nutritional services to learn the language of commissioning and how to engage in this important debate to help shape their local services. BAPEN is delighted that Andrew Bibby of the DH/NHS National Specialised Commissioning Team will participate in the Symposium, together with experienced commissioner Joe Rafferty to explain the ethos and language of commissioning to help us all contribute effectively to the delivery of local services.”
Joe Rafferty, Chief Executive, Central Lancashire PCT and former Director of Strategy and Commissioning, NHS North West one of the speakers at the BAPEN Symposium says:
“Commissioning, in fundamental terms, is about connecting population need with the health and healthcare services that our tax pounds fund. It is my view that it is not possible to make this connection properly without clinicians being central to the conversations and decision-making processes.”
BAPEN continues to call for greater attention to be paid to the importance of the recognition of malnutrition and nutritional status of all patients in care, and the delivery of appropriate nutritional care and treatment in improving not only clinical outcomes and reducing healthcare costs, but also in contributing to an improved patient and resident experience.
Dr Mike Stroud, Chairman of BAPEN goes one step further and says:
‘Everybody looking after patients in every setting, needs to realise that the provision of good nutritional care ticks all the boxes - improved clinical outcomes; a better quality service; and decreased risks and costs. It is therefore essential that, not only do all health professionals understand why the treatment of malnutrition is so important, but they also speak the language of commissioning and quality. Only then can best nutritional care become embedded in daily practice.”
To access the full BAPEN ‘Malnutrition Matters’ programme and see the detail of the Symposia log onto www.bapen.org.uk.
ENDS/
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