Press release: Confederation responds to new conservative health policy
05 Jun 2003
In response to the Conservative Consultation paper, 'Setting Patients Free', Dr Gill Morgan, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation stated:
"We welcome the Conservative Party's recognition that capacity is the main problem facing the NHS, and their appreciation of the need to put additional resources into healthcare and into the NHS.
"There are real issues to considered, however, about Patient's Passports. They would be focused on elective services and would do little for those requiring emergency care or treatment for chronic conditions. There needs to be an assurance that these services would not be left behind or weakened as a result.
"A key principle underpinning the NHS is that services are delivered according to need, not the ability to pay. Yet choice under a passport scheme depends on patients being able to top up a centrally defined amount. There needs to be careful thinking to ensure equity is not damaged and that patient choice is a reality for all patients, regardless of their financial situation."
In response to the proposal to cut NHS administrative staff by 30%, Gill Morgan said:
"Administrative staff are an easy target. We should remember that this important group includes medical secretaries, cooks, cleaners and 999 operators - people who provide essential services and make it possible for doctors and nurses to provide first class care."
ENDS
Notes for editors
- The NHS Confederation represents the organisations that make up the NHS. Our members include the majority of NHS trusts, primary care trusts and health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; trusts and NHS boards in Scotland; and health and social services trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.
- Connecting 2003, the NHS Confederation annual conference and exhibition, will be held in Glasgow 25-27 June.
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