PRESS RELEASES

 7th December 2005

Minister Hewitt Must Accept Blame for NHS Problems

The Financial Times has reported that the government’s ‘payment by results’ reforms to the NHS have been partially suspended by three strategic health authorities. The bodies say the system could destabilise hospitals and service purchasers which are already experiencing financial difficulties. The news comes as a King's Fund report warns that NHS financial problems could get worse unless ministers reform the regime for dealing with hospital failure.

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting, Stephanie Dearden said:-

The Government should reconsider reforms which could cause untold damage to frontline care. For Patricia Hewitt to give her blessing to the practice of delaying operations to reduce trust deficits will leave those people who are waiting for operations in despair. The Health Secretary needs to make her mind up. If things are going well in the NHS, she is happy to take the credit. If things are going wrong, then it is the fault of the local NHS. These cuts are a direct consequence of the Government's market reforms causing financial instability.

ENDS

  Stephanie Dearden

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Tooting

Notes to editors

1. More: http://news.ft.com/cms/s/ba74f564-66a7-11da-884a-0000779e2340.html
2. If you would like to arrange an interview with Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting Stephanie Dearden then please call 020-7771-2551 or 07985-649807 or 07754 583090
3. Official photographs here http://www.stephaniedearden.org/smd_mugs/index.htm