Green light for NHS freedoms, but managers say they should apply to all

14 Nov 02
Government plans to free only the best NHS trusts from Whitehall control and to penalise councils that fail to tackle bed-blocking have been criticised by health service managers.

15 November 2002

The proposals – outlined in this week's Queen's Speech – will create not-for-profit foundation trusts. Only three-star trusts can apply for foundation status and up to 12 could be launched in shadow form next April. The trusts will be given freedoms such as the ability to borrow on the open market (although this will be regulated by an independent body), vary salaries and retain the receipts of sales.

But the NHS Confederation said the freedoms must be extended. 'The government has established the devolution of power to frontline staff as one of its founding principles of public service reform. It must now have the courage of its convictions and give more NHS organisations greater freedom to innovate and respond to local needs. The ultimate goal must be a more decentralised health service,' said confederation chief executive Gill Morgan.

Confederation policy director Nigel Edwards predicted that plans to fine local authorities over bed-blocking would drive a wedge between councils and local NHS organisations.

The fines, which have also been slammed by the Local Government Association, were unlikely to solve the problem of delayed discharges, King's Fund chief executive Rabbi Julia Neuberger added. 'Penalising them for being insufficiently resourced does not make sense.'

However, mental health campaigners were pleased that the government appeared to have backed down on contentious plans to overhaul mental health law, at least temporarily. A Bill that would mean patients with severe mental illnesses could be put in secure hospitals, even if they had not committed a crime, was left out of the speech.

PFnov2002

Did you enjoy this article?

AddToAny

Top