Women to Rate NHS Hospitals for Payment

Women are set to significantly influence how hospitals are paid under new NHS reforms. Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that patients will have the power to rate their treatment, impacting provider reimbursements. If a patient's experience is deemed inadequate, the hospital may not receive its full payment. This initiative is designed to tackle perceived medical misogyny and improve the quality of care. Initially, this patient-led payment model will be trialled, with a focus on women's experiences and maternity services, an area previously highlighted as 'not working' for women and babies. A national investigation had warned of a 'postcode lottery' in care, with many families let down during pregnancy and labor. If successful, the model is planned for expansion to all patients. This reform also empowers patients to decide on follow-up appointments, potentially freeing up millions of slots for those who need them. Recent surveys indicate patient satisfaction with the NHS remains low, with only 26% expressing satisfaction last year.