The NHS could save £1bn a year if it targeted funds using a better understanding of how people make their choices in health, according to a report by the National Consumer Council.

The NHS could save£1bn a year if it targeted funds using a better understanding of how people make their choices in health, according to a report by the National Consumer Council.

Using the latest 'social marketing' techniques, commissioners could 'dramatically improve people's health, reduce health inequalities and improve NHS efficiency', says the report.

NCC chief executive Ed Mayo said social marketing could help with 'reaching out to patients that are not walking through NHS doors [by] starting from where they are'.