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12/06/2003
Unison says health service is in 'critical' condition
Health union Unison has warned the government that the NHS is in "condition critical".
In a keynote speech at a seminar organised by the Fabian Society in London tonight, the union’s general secretary, Dave Prentis, will tell the invited audience that the NHS was almost "dead on arrival by the time the Tories had finished with it". He will also call on the Labour government to follow up its cash injection with a more "holistic approach" to patient care.
Mr Prentis will tell the audience: "If I was the doctor and the NHS my patient I'd say its condition was critical.
"The government's new mantra is choice, but if that choice is simply reintroducing the internal market into the NHS, then their plan is doomed. Doomed because they will simply be repeating the mistakes of the Tory past."
Mr Prentis says that the government’s proposed foundation hospitals are "elitist" and there must be a move away from the "pick and mix" approach to improving patient care.
He will add that foundation hospitals act as magnets drawing staff and resources away from surrounding hospitals. The non-foundation trusts will find it harder and harder to attract patients and investment in the NHS will spiral downwards, he will say.
"The real challenge facing the government today, is of creating a climate of co-operation where trusts share good practice, instead of jealously guarding the secrets of their success in case they miss out to their neighbour in a bidding war for more special government funding," according to Mr Prentis.
(GMcG)
In a keynote speech at a seminar organised by the Fabian Society in London tonight, the union’s general secretary, Dave Prentis, will tell the invited audience that the NHS was almost "dead on arrival by the time the Tories had finished with it". He will also call on the Labour government to follow up its cash injection with a more "holistic approach" to patient care.
Mr Prentis will tell the audience: "If I was the doctor and the NHS my patient I'd say its condition was critical.
"The government's new mantra is choice, but if that choice is simply reintroducing the internal market into the NHS, then their plan is doomed. Doomed because they will simply be repeating the mistakes of the Tory past."
Mr Prentis says that the government’s proposed foundation hospitals are "elitist" and there must be a move away from the "pick and mix" approach to improving patient care.
He will add that foundation hospitals act as magnets drawing staff and resources away from surrounding hospitals. The non-foundation trusts will find it harder and harder to attract patients and investment in the NHS will spiral downwards, he will say.
"The real challenge facing the government today, is of creating a climate of co-operation where trusts share good practice, instead of jealously guarding the secrets of their success in case they miss out to their neighbour in a bidding war for more special government funding," according to Mr Prentis.
(GMcG)
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09 December 2003
Patient choice at forefront of government's NHS plans
The government has unveiled plans aimed at relieving the strain on doctors and increasing choice for NHS patients, through the 'Building on the Best' Command Paper presented before Parliament today.
Patient choice at forefront of government's NHS plans
The government has unveiled plans aimed at relieving the strain on doctors and increasing choice for NHS patients, through the 'Building on the Best' Command Paper presented before Parliament today.
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.
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Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
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.
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A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
