Press release: Political visions at annual conference
16 Jun 2006
Response to speech by Steve Webb MP, Lib Dem Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Liberal Democrats
Dr Gill Morgan, chief executive of the NHS Confederation said: "We look forward to feeding through NHS leaders views into the forthcoming review of Liberal Democrat health policy under Baroness Julia Neuberger. Steve Webb is right about the need for a clear direction of travel and evolution not constant revolution."
She continued: "He talked passionately about improving public involvement. We too recognise the challenge of giving local people real ownership whilst retaining the ability of the NHS to make difficult decisions. It is time to get to grips with this."
Response to speech by Andrew Lansley CBE MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Conservative Party
Dr Gill Morgan, chief executive of the NHS Confederation said: "NHS leaders welcome Andrew Lansley's commitment to giving the NHS the stability of a consistent policy framework for the years ahead and beyond the next general election."
Andrew Lansley said in his speech that there is a potential consensus about the direction of reform but there is a lack of clarity about the destination.
Dr Gill Morgan commented: '"This will resonate with NHS leaders. They want the perverse incentives and rough edges in the reforms to be addressed as quickly as possible. They want guidance on key areas quickly, as well as clarity on the roles of the different levels within the system. They are looking for a new leadership style from the Department of Health and new Strategic Health Authorities."
Download copies of the keynote speeches from our annual conference and exhibition website.
ENDS
Notes for editors
1. The NHS Confederation represents more than 90 per cent of the organisations that make up the NHS. Its members include the majority of NHS acute trusts, ambulance trusts, foundation trusts, mental health trusts, primary care trusts, special health authorities and strategic health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.
Contact details
Contact Media Relations Manager Joanna Clason on 020 7074 3306 or 07798 571078 or Senior Media Officer Amy Darlington on 020 7074 3304 or 07767 770309.
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