Press release: NHS Confederation comments on new promotion code
20 Mar 2008
Commenting on the release of the promotion code, Jo Webber, deputy policy director at the NHS Confederation, which represents over 95 per cent of NHS organisations said:
"We need a code to ensure promotional activity in the health service fits with the core values of the NHS. The NHS today is made up of a range of different types of providers. A common set of rules for promoting services is therefore essential.
"It is for this reason that we argued - successfully - for the code to be largely based on the Advertising Standards Association's (ASA) code as this is what is used in all other sectors of the UK economy.
"It will be important that Primary Care Trusts are supported fully in their new role of interpreting behaviour that brings the NHS into disrepute, so that there is clear and consistent decision making across all PCTs."
Director of the Foundation Trust Network, Sue Slipman said:
"The promotion code is necessary. We must look carefully at how the complex split in responsibilities between the Advertising Standards Authority and other regulators pans out in practice and are concerned to ensure that foundation trusts do not face double jeopardy.
"Foundation trusts will be watching and monitoring the code over the coming year. The test of success will be how the code works in practice."
NHS Partner director David Worskett said:
"We welcome this code as another step towards building a more competitive but fair market place from which the main beneficiaries will be patients".
Notes for editors
The NHS Confederation represents more than 95% 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.
The Foundation Trust Network represents existing foundation trusts as well as acute and mental health trusts preparing for foundation status. It was established in June 2004 to represent the views of foundation trusts, to influence health policy and to share learning and good practice. The Network is hosted by the NHS Confederation.
NHS Partners Network is an alliance of independent - both commercial and not-for-profit healthcare providers commissioned by the NHS to provide elective and diagnostic care to NHS patients free at the point of delivery. It was established in 2005 and became part of the NHS Confederation in June 2007.
Members of NHS Partners Network: Alliance Medical, Capio, Circle, Clinicenta, Care UK/Mercury Health, Netcare UK, Nuffield Hospitals, Partnership Health Group, Spire Healthcare and UK Specialist Hospitals.
Contact details
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