The Getting It Right First Time programme has welcomed the publication of the NHS Long Term Plan, which recognises the important role the programme is playing in putting patients first and reducing unwarranted variations in the NHS.

The plan, published by NHS England, aims to save 500,000 lives with action on serious conditions and investment in cutting edge treatments across the next ten years.
GIRFT is highlighted several times in the document, in particular for its work on productivity growth and reducing unwarranted variation.

In the report, NHS England states:

“We have worked with staff across the NHS to identify opportunities to deliver more effective patient care.

“Our approach is to deliver clinically-led improvement and put the patient in the heart of the system. We deliver this through an approach called Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT).

“GIRFT will combine with other clinically-led programmes such as NHS RightCare and an increased investment in Quality Improvement (QI) to accelerate work to end unjustified clinical practice variation.”

GIRFT managing director Rachel Yates said:

“I am very pleased that the GIRFT programme has been recognised for the value it can bring to improving patient care. We look forward to working with trusts and clinicians to bring about change as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.”

The plan was unveiled by NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens and Prime Minister Theresa May on 7 January 2019, and committed to giving a third of the extra £20bn the NHS will get by 2023 to GPs, community care and mental health.

For more information on the Long Term Plan, click here.