Unit Costs of Health and Social Care 2003
Compiled by Ann Netten and Lesley Curtis
Foreword
This is the eleventh volume in a series of reports from a Department of Health-funded programme of work based at the Personal Social Services Research Unit at the University of Kent. The aim is to improve unit cost estimates over time, drawing on material as it becomes available, including ongoing and specially commissioned research.
The costs reported always reflect, to a greater or lesser degree, work in progress, as the intention is to refine and improve estimates wherever possible, drawing on a wide variety of sources. The aim is to provide as detailed and comprehensive information as possible, quoting sources and assumptions so users can adapt the information for their own purposes. Brief articles are included to provide background to user services, descriptions of cost methodology or use of cost estimates.
The editorial identifies the new developments in estimates included and key current issues in the estimation of costs and use of the information provided in this report. In addition, this report relies on a large number of individuals who have provided direct input in the form of data, permission to use material and background information and advice. Thanks are due to Sue Baldwin, Candida Ballantyne, Jennifer Beecham, Santiago Calvo Ramos, Keith Childs, Jane Dennett, Usama Edoo and Andrew Fenyo. Thanks also to Helen Friedrickson, Caroline Glendinning, Claire Grout, Glen Harrison, Bernard Horan, Professor Peter Jeffries, Anita Patel, Jan Payne, Tony Rees, Gabriel Serota, Andrew Street, David Wall, Deborah Wood and Zoe Whittington. We are particularly grateful to Becky Sandhu who has provided both general support and advice through several volumes.
Many figures in this report have been rounded and therefore occasionally it may appear that the totals do not add up.
Please note that when citing the report, the following format should be used:
Netten, A. & Curtis, L. (2003) Unit Costs of Health and Social Care 2003, Personal Social Services Research Unit, University of Kent, Canterbury.