A new NHS survey has revealed, for the first time, the variations in spending on health care in the different regions and the inconsistent levels of care received.

The new NHS Atlas of Variation has produced 34 maps which will enable people to go online to see for themselves how their particular region is performing in terms of healthcare. It shows a huge difference in spending on broken hips by primary care trusts with some spending £500 per 1,000 people compared to others who account for more than £8,000. The figures also showed a massive 38-fold difference in rates of obesity surgery and a four-fold variation in the number of stroke patients who spend their time in hospital in a dedicated stroke unit.

Other significant variations between health authorities were seen in areas such as mental health services as well as inpatient cancer care. In relation to surgery on obesity the differences across the country were huge with some areas having just 1.1 operation per 100,000 of the population in comparison to other, generally more deprived areas, where there were almost 40 operations per 100,000. Similarly, in cancer surgery, some PCTs were spending less than £20,000 per 1,000 of the population while others spend upwards of £40,000.

"In order to improve unwarranted variations in services, it is vital to expose existing flaws in the system."

Lord Howe - Health Minister

The Atlas of Variation, which takes local patient and social factors into account, was also able to analyse figures from within the Yorkshire region itself and showed that the prescription rates of antibiotics is three times higher in the former Humberside area than it is in South and North Yorkshire. It also showed that patients in Doncaster who have been treated for fractured hips spend twice as long in hospital as do patients in Leeds or Bradford.

On the picture nationally, the report says that variations in service can occur naturally, due different patient needs and wishes but it stressed that unwarranted variation was a cause for concern.

The survey's findings will come as a concern to many in the NHS who will aim to reduce the wide variations in years to come as the health service comes to terms with less public funding being made available. Professor Chris Ham, chief executive of health think-tank the King's Fund, said that reducing unwarranted variations was not an option but a necessity.

Any improvement has to be welcomed, which would help reduce NHS complaints and boost the NHS's image.

Reclaim nursing and care home fees paid incorrectly.

Unsure what to do or where to start? 

There are a number of ways for you to contact us:

Complete our free enquiry form for further assistance with your complaint. If you tell us more about your case we may be able to help with legal advice

Call us free on 0800 032 2210