04/04/2003
MPs rebel over foundation trust proposals
The government, which faced a backbench revolt over its military policy in Iraq, is set to suffer another embarrassing backlash from MPs this time on domestic policy.
The issue of NHS Foundation Trusts has so outraged parliamentarians that up to 130 MPs have signed a motion condemning the plans. The mounting disquiet over the plans is expected to see Health and Social Care Bill put back until after Easter.
Many MPs fear that the NHS Foundation hospitals will create a two-tier health system - ultimately running contrary to the NHS ethos of equity - through backdoor privatisation. However, the government believe the reorganisation of the trusts will enhance local accountability and improve services.
According to the plans, well-managed hospitals which achieve NHS Foundation Trusts will become independent of government control and be able to seek private money to fund services. The government has said that such trusts will treat NHS patients "according to NHS principles and NHS standards, but they will be controlled and run locally, not nationally".
The issue of NHS Foundation Trusts has so outraged parliamentarians that up to 130 MPs have signed a motion condemning the plans. The mounting disquiet over the plans is expected to see Health and Social Care Bill put back until after Easter.
Many MPs fear that the NHS Foundation hospitals will create a two-tier health system - ultimately running contrary to the NHS ethos of equity - through backdoor privatisation. However, the government believe the reorganisation of the trusts will enhance local accountability and improve services.
According to the plans, well-managed hospitals which achieve NHS Foundation Trusts will become independent of government control and be able to seek private money to fund services. The government has said that such trusts will treat NHS patients "according to NHS principles and NHS standards, but they will be controlled and run locally, not nationally".
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
24 May 2005
Trials for prostate cancer drugs announced
Scientists have announced that they are testing new drugs that could be used to treat advanced prostate cancer. Currently, advanced prostate cancer is treated with hormone therapy. However, this only works for a short period of time, after which there are few other options for the patient, apart from palliative care.
Trials for prostate cancer drugs announced
Scientists have announced that they are testing new drugs that could be used to treat advanced prostate cancer. Currently, advanced prostate cancer is treated with hormone therapy. However, this only works for a short period of time, after which there are few other options for the patient, apart from palliative care.
23 September 2004
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
24 March 2011
Patients Getting Improved NHS Care
A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.
Patients Getting Improved NHS Care
A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.