Press release: NHS Confederation calls for MPs to back foundation trusts
06 Nov 2003
The NHS Confederation is calling for MPs to back foundation trusts as a step in the right direction for the NHS. The call comes after the House of Lords voted to remove the proposal from the Health and Social Care Bill.
Dr Gill Morgan, Chief Executive, said: "The NHS Confederation has consistently argued that the NHS needs greater freedom from what the Department of Health itself describes as excessive government control. Whilst we understand some of the concerns raised about Foundation status, these should not obscure the greater goal of giving local communities a greater opportunity to shape local services."
A Confederation/MORI poll of 100 chief executives earlier this year revealed that a majority backed Foundation status. It highlighted the belief that the greatest benefits of Foundation status could be to improve local accountability and provide more freedom to innovate to improve services for patients.
Dr Morgan added: "There are clearly areas where the bill's proposals need further work. But we believe these issues can be resolved. To block the bill now, or to dilute the freedoms for Foundation Trusts, will defeat the ultimate objective of improving local accountability and giving more autonomy to those at the NHS front line."
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.
Contact details
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