LOCAL GOVERNMENT / PARLIAMENT
PARLIAMENTARY SESSIONS ... House of Commons ... House of Lords ...................................................... Download File
HEALTH BILL REGULATIONS UNDER CHALLENGE
25 September 2012 - HSJ
The government is facing a joint Labour-Liberal Democrat challenge to Health Act regulations which impose restrictions on the membership of clinical commissioning group governing bodies. HSJ has learned Liberal Democrat peers will support Opposition moves in the House of Lords to block secondary legislation which bans councillors, local nurses and hospital consultants from the groups.
25 September 2012 - HSJ
The government is facing a joint Labour-Liberal Democrat challenge to Health Act regulations which impose restrictions on the membership of clinical commissioning group governing bodies. HSJ has learned Liberal Democrat peers will support Opposition moves in the House of Lords to block secondary legislation which bans councillors, local nurses and hospital consultants from the groups.
HANSARD
20 June 2012
Simon Burns (Minister of State (Health), Health; Chelmsford, Conservative)
We are also aware that the reconfiguration of services works best when there is a partnership approach between the NHS, local government and the public. That is why we are strengthening local partnership arrangements, under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, through Health and Wellbeing Boards. They will provide a forum where commissioners, local authorities and the local HealthWatch can discuss and plan the future shape of services to meet the health requirements of the local health economy.
20 June 2012
Simon Burns (Minister of State (Health), Health; Chelmsford, Conservative)
We are also aware that the reconfiguration of services works best when there is a partnership approach between the NHS, local government and the public. That is why we are strengthening local partnership arrangements, under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, through Health and Wellbeing Boards. They will provide a forum where commissioners, local authorities and the local HealthWatch can discuss and plan the future shape of services to meet the health requirements of the local health economy.
BACKBENCH BUSINESS (1st Allotted Day): MENTAL HEALTH
14 June 2012
Sarah Wollaston - (Totnes, Conservative)
Paul Burstow - (Minister of State (Care Services), Health; Sutton and Cheam, Liberal Democrat)
14 June 2012
Sarah Wollaston - (Totnes, Conservative)
Paul Burstow - (Minister of State (Care Services), Health; Sutton and Cheam, Liberal Democrat)
LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND LOCAL HEALTHWATCH
12 June 2012
Baroness Donaghy (Labour)
On the business rate retention scheme, the Government plan a 10-year period or resetting, which is good. However, three major planks of this year's Budget were reversed in 10 weeks, so how much faith can we put in a 10-year plan? Local Authorities have been treated with disrespect. In addition to the 10% hit in council tax reduction and the absence of any useful information surrounding the Bill, they will have to cope with the formation of local HealthWatches, police commissioners, the cost of care-mentioned by my noble friend Lord Warner and the fallout from welfare reform. Yet the Government is expecting a productivity rate from local authorities which is five times greater than their own productivity record on the Bill.
Second Reading Local Government Finance Bill - 3:05 pm
12 June 2012
Baroness Donaghy (Labour)
On the business rate retention scheme, the Government plan a 10-year period or resetting, which is good. However, three major planks of this year's Budget were reversed in 10 weeks, so how much faith can we put in a 10-year plan? Local Authorities have been treated with disrespect. In addition to the 10% hit in council tax reduction and the absence of any useful information surrounding the Bill, they will have to cope with the formation of local HealthWatches, police commissioners, the cost of care-mentioned by my noble friend Lord Warner and the fallout from welfare reform. Yet the Government is expecting a productivity rate from local authorities which is five times greater than their own productivity record on the Bill.
Second Reading Local Government Finance Bill - 3:05 pm
HOUSE OF LORDS - QUESTIONS - LOCAL HEALTHWATCH
11 June 2012
Lord Collins of Highbury (Labour)
To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress is being made on establishing local
Healthwatch organisations and what steps they will take to ensure that their
commissioning and administrative costs are kept to a minimum.
Earl Howe (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Quality), Health; Conservative)
Baroness Masham of Ilton (Crossbench)
Baroness Cumberlege (Conservative)
Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour)
11 June 2012
Lord Collins of Highbury (Labour)
To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress is being made on establishing local
Healthwatch organisations and what steps they will take to ensure that their
commissioning and administrative costs are kept to a minimum.
Earl Howe (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Quality), Health; Conservative)
Baroness Masham of Ilton (Crossbench)
Baroness Cumberlege (Conservative)
Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe (Labour)
GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSONS - LORDS
Department For Communities and Local Government
Minister: Baroness Hanham
Whip: Earl Attlee
Department Of Health
Minister: Earl Howe
Whip: Baroness Northover
Department For Communities and Local Government
Minister: Baroness Hanham
Whip: Earl Attlee
Department Of Health
Minister: Earl Howe
Whip: Baroness Northover
POST LEGISLATIVE SCRUTINY OF THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE ACT 2012
26 April 2012 - 4 pages
Baroness Deech (Crossbench)
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any plans for post-legislative scrutiny of the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
Earl Howe (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Quality), Health; Conservative)
Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall (Labour)
Lord Mawhinney(Conservative)
Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour)
Lord Patel (Crossbench)
Baroness Jolly(Liberal Democrat)
Baroness Masham of Ilton (Crossbench)
Baroness Thornton(Labour)
26 April 2012 - 4 pages
Baroness Deech (Crossbench)
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any plans for post-legislative scrutiny of the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
Earl Howe (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Quality), Health; Conservative)
Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall (Labour)
Lord Mawhinney(Conservative)
Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour)
Lord Patel (Crossbench)
Baroness Jolly(Liberal Democrat)
Baroness Masham of Ilton (Crossbench)
Baroness Thornton(Labour)
ACT, REGULATIONS, ETC. HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE ACT 2010-2012
Hansard source 23 April 2012
Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion, Green)
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his timetable is for making regulations and orders under the Health and Social Care Act 2012; and if he will make a statement.
Simon Burns (Minister of State (Health), Health; Chelmsford, Conservative)
Many of the regulations and orders to be made under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 will come into force on 1 April 2013. This is the intended date for the NHS Commissioning Board to take on its full statutory functions; local authorities to take on new public health responsibilities; local HealthWatch organisations to come into being; and strategic health authorities and primary care trusts to be abolished.
Other changes are planned for different dates; HealthWatch England will come into existence in October 2012, and the health special administration regime for organisations providing NHS services will come into force in April 2014. Negative statutory instruments and draft affirmative instruments will be laid in accordance with this.
Hansard source 23 April 2012
Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion, Green)
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his timetable is for making regulations and orders under the Health and Social Care Act 2012; and if he will make a statement.
Simon Burns (Minister of State (Health), Health; Chelmsford, Conservative)
Many of the regulations and orders to be made under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 will come into force on 1 April 2013. This is the intended date for the NHS Commissioning Board to take on its full statutory functions; local authorities to take on new public health responsibilities; local HealthWatch organisations to come into being; and strategic health authorities and primary care trusts to be abolished.
Other changes are planned for different dates; HealthWatch England will come into existence in October 2012, and the health special administration regime for organisations providing NHS services will come into force in April 2014. Negative statutory instruments and draft affirmative instruments will be laid in accordance with this.
PETITION SECURES DEBATE AFTER ALL ...
Petition secures debate after all
Date: Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Oral Questions - Justice, including Topical Questions
Ten Minute Rule
Motion Football (Financial Transparency) - Damian Collins
Debate Opposition Day [un-allotted day] [half day] – Health and Social Care Bill
Business Opposed Private Business
Adjournment Closure of Torphichen sub-post office - Michael Connarty
Petition secures debate after all
Date: Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Oral Questions - Justice, including Topical Questions
Ten Minute Rule
Motion Football (Financial Transparency) - Damian Collins
Debate Opposition Day [un-allotted day] [half day] – Health and Social Care Bill
Business Opposed Private Business
Adjournment Closure of Torphichen sub-post office - Michael Connarty
IN THE LORDS TODAY
08 March 2012 - 100 Pages
Reference to NALM on pages 5, 51 and 55 (in red)
Lord Patel Lord Harris of Haringey Baroness Marsham of Ilton
Baroness Cumberledge Lord Whittey Baroness Jolly
Baroness Pitkeathley Lord Warner Baroness Murphy
Baroness Wheeler Baroness Northover Baroness Jay of Paddington
Baroness Rawlings Lord Goldsmith Baroness Scotland of Ashthal
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath Baroness Barker Baroness Bakewell
Lord Low of Daltston Baroness Finlay of Llandaff Earl Howe
Lord Trefgarne Baroness Massey of Darwen
08 March 2012 - 100 Pages
Reference to NALM on pages 5, 51 and 55 (in red)
Lord Patel Lord Harris of Haringey Baroness Marsham of Ilton
Baroness Cumberledge Lord Whittey Baroness Jolly
Baroness Pitkeathley Lord Warner Baroness Murphy
Baroness Wheeler Baroness Northover Baroness Jay of Paddington
Baroness Rawlings Lord Goldsmith Baroness Scotland of Ashthal
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath Baroness Barker Baroness Bakewell
Lord Low of Daltston Baroness Finlay of Llandaff Earl Howe
Lord Trefgarne Baroness Massey of Darwen
MPs REJECT GPs BID TO FORCE HEALTH BILL DEBATE
07 March 2012
MPs on the Backbench Business Committee have refused to allow time for a parliamentary debate after a leading GP's e-petition calling on the Government to drop the health bill, collected more than 162,000 signatures.
The Committee, which decides on which subjects will be debated in the House of Commons in backbench time, has voted against a debate of Dr Kailash Chand's e-petition. Labour MP Jonathan Reynolds had presented a request to debate the e-petition, with support from Labour colleagues and Liberal Democrat, Green, SDLP and DUP MPs.
'The Government allocated just one day to the Second Reading of the Health and Social Care Bill last year – and there is clearly a groundswell of opinion to suggest that was not enough. Now a wide range of professional bodies have spoken out against the proposed changes – and the growing e-petition reflects the mounting public feeling against it.'
07 March 2012
MPs on the Backbench Business Committee have refused to allow time for a parliamentary debate after a leading GP's e-petition calling on the Government to drop the health bill, collected more than 162,000 signatures.
The Committee, which decides on which subjects will be debated in the House of Commons in backbench time, has voted against a debate of Dr Kailash Chand's e-petition. Labour MP Jonathan Reynolds had presented a request to debate the e-petition, with support from Labour colleagues and Liberal Democrat, Green, SDLP and DUP MPs.
'The Government allocated just one day to the Second Reading of the Health and Social Care Bill last year – and there is clearly a groundswell of opinion to suggest that was not enough. Now a wide range of professional bodies have spoken out against the proposed changes – and the growing e-petition reflects the mounting public feeling against it.'
MONITOR AND HEALTHWATCH - Report Stage, Day 5, Lords, 6 March 2012
Lord Patel (Crossbench)
Baroness Cumberlege (Conservative)
Lord Warner (Labour)
Lord Patel (Crossbench)
Baroness Cumberlege (Conservative)
Lord Warner (Labour)
HEALTH BILL - URGENT REQUEST FROM EVAN HARRIS (Lib Dem) for NALM
Can I ask that you circulate these two links setting out my position on the Bill and calling for Lib Dems to drop their support for it. I have set out my position in this Guardian article
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/political-science/2012/mar/06/health-social-care-bill?intcmp=239
and in detail here
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/political-science/2012/mar/06/health-social-care-bill
Can I ask that you circulate these two links setting out my position on the Bill and calling for Lib Dems to drop their support for it. I have set out my position in this Guardian article
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/political-science/2012/mar/06/health-social-care-bill?intcmp=239
and in detail here
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/political-science/2012/mar/06/health-social-care-bill
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE BILL - REPORT (4TH DAY) - Amendment gained yesterday
29 February 2012
Clause 51: Secretary of State's duty to keep health service functions under review
- Baroness Cumberlege (Conservative)
- Lord Harris of Haringey (Labour)
- Baroness Wheeler (Labour)
The lack of confidence in the new arrangements by the overwhelming number of LINks organisations and NALM. As the letter from NALM in the Guardian earlier this week underlined:
"HealthWatch will only be considered the true voice of the public, if it is seen to be independent of those it monitors".
- Earl Howe (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Quality), Health, Conservative)
29 February 2012
Clause 51: Secretary of State's duty to keep health service functions under review
- Baroness Cumberlege (Conservative)
- Lord Harris of Haringey (Labour)
- Baroness Wheeler (Labour)
The lack of confidence in the new arrangements by the overwhelming number of LINks organisations and NALM. As the letter from NALM in the Guardian earlier this week underlined:
"HealthWatch will only be considered the true voice of the public, if it is seen to be independent of those it monitors".
- Earl Howe (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Quality), Health, Conservative)
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE BILL: REPORT (4TH DAY)
29 February 2012
- Baroness Cumberlege (Conservative)
- Lord Newton of Braintree (Conservative)
- Lord Harris of Haringey (Labour)
We hear, for example, that there is widespread concern that the Government will remove the statutory nature of local healthWatch organisations. We are told that the Government is indifferent to the consequence of not ring-fencing their finances.
- Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Labour)
It is clear that having a statutory body with the right to be heard and listened to is very important at local level. Of course, I would link the noble Baroness's amendment with the desire for HealthWatch England to be wholly independent of CQC, which is another important ingredient in ensuring that the patient voice is heard as effectively as possible.
- Earl Howe (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Quality), Health, Conservative)
29 February 2012
- Baroness Cumberlege (Conservative)
- Lord Newton of Braintree (Conservative)
- Lord Harris of Haringey (Labour)
We hear, for example, that there is widespread concern that the Government will remove the statutory nature of local healthWatch organisations. We are told that the Government is indifferent to the consequence of not ring-fencing their finances.
- Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Labour)
It is clear that having a statutory body with the right to be heard and listened to is very important at local level. Of course, I would link the noble Baroness's amendment with the desire for HealthWatch England to be wholly independent of CQC, which is another important ingredient in ensuring that the patient voice is heard as effectively as possible.
- Earl Howe (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Quality), Health, Conservative)
THE NATIONAL PETITION
Hansard - 28 February 2012
Some 162,000 people have signed an e-petition calling on the Government to drop the Bill, so may I remind the Secretary of State that his own party’s election manifesto stated that “any Petition that secures 100,000 signatures will be eligible for formal debate”?
Grahame Morris (Easington, Labour)
Andrew Lansley (Secretary of State, Health; South Cambridgeshire, Conservative)
Hansard - 28 February 2012
Some 162,000 people have signed an e-petition calling on the Government to drop the Bill, so may I remind the Secretary of State that his own party’s election manifesto stated that “any Petition that secures 100,000 signatures will be eligible for formal debate”?
Grahame Morris (Easington, Labour)
Andrew Lansley (Secretary of State, Health; South Cambridgeshire, Conservative)
CLEGG AND WILLIAMS WRITE TO LIB DEM PEERS - for NALM
27 February 2012
Nick Clegg and Shirley Williams have written a joint letter to Lib Dem MPs and peers today about the health bill spelling out the final changes that they want to make to the Bill.
27 February 2012
Nick Clegg and Shirley Williams have written a joint letter to Lib Dem MPs and peers today about the health bill spelling out the final changes that they want to make to the Bill.
REPORT STAGE - LORDS - DAY 3 ... EARL HOWE
29 February 2012
We have also just discussed the important role that both patients, and the organisations that represent their interests, can bring to the commissioning process. However, I think that Amendments 59 and 101 are unnecessary. Let us be clear that while these duties refer to obtaining advice from people with expertise in relation to the health service, this is not confined to clinical expertise. There is nothing to prevent the board or CCGs securing advice from patients' organisations, or those with expertise in the patient experience. The board can also draw on the advice of national and local HealthWatch as a conduit for such advice. CCGs, similarly, are able to draw on the advice of local HealthWatch.
29 February 2012
We have also just discussed the important role that both patients, and the organisations that represent their interests, can bring to the commissioning process. However, I think that Amendments 59 and 101 are unnecessary. Let us be clear that while these duties refer to obtaining advice from people with expertise in relation to the health service, this is not confined to clinical expertise. There is nothing to prevent the board or CCGs securing advice from patients' organisations, or those with expertise in the patient experience. The board can also draw on the advice of national and local HealthWatch as a conduit for such advice. CCGs, similarly, are able to draw on the advice of local HealthWatch.
REPORT STAGE - LORDS - DAY 3 ... LORD HARRIS OF HARINGEY
29 February 2012
Extract: ... I think that it is helpful to the Government is, as may not have escaped the Minister's attention, a certain amount of criticism of the Department of Health and of this Bill is prevalent at the moment. For example, a letter as published in the Telegraph this morning which said:
"The Coalition Government promised to ensure greater NHS accountability to patients and the public. We believe this aspiration has now beenabandoned".
The letter was signed by a large number of people active in representing the interests of patients around the country.
This refers to the letter from NALM, signed by over 60 LINks
29 February 2012
Extract: ... I think that it is helpful to the Government is, as may not have escaped the Minister's attention, a certain amount of criticism of the Department of Health and of this Bill is prevalent at the moment. For example, a letter as published in the Telegraph this morning which said:
"The Coalition Government promised to ensure greater NHS accountability to patients and the public. We believe this aspiration has now beenabandoned".
The letter was signed by a large number of people active in representing the interests of patients around the country.
This refers to the letter from NALM, signed by over 60 LINks
BARONESS CUMBERLEGE (Conservative) ON THE EMASCULATION OF PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
29 February 2012
'I am anxious that when we talk about "patient and public involvement" we should be clear as to exactly what we mean by it'.
29 February 2012
'I am anxious that when we talk about "patient and public involvement" we should be clear as to exactly what we mean by it'.
BEST VALUE STATUTORY GUIDANCE
Hansard - 27 February 2012
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department has taken to implement the principles of Best Value Statutory guidance.
Chris White - Warwick and Leamington, Conservative
Paul Burstow - Minister of State (Care Services), Health - Sutton and Cheam, Liberal Democrat
Hansard - 27 February 2012
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department has taken to implement the principles of Best Value Statutory guidance.
Chris White - Warwick and Leamington, Conservative
Paul Burstow - Minister of State (Care Services), Health - Sutton and Cheam, Liberal Democrat
'CONFLICTS OF INTEREST' HEALTH BILL AMENDMENTS AGREED
28 February 2012 - The Press Association
Cross-party pressure in the House of Lords on strengthening Clinical Commissioning Group governance will be reflected in further amendments to the Health Bill. Labour spearheaded a move to introduce tighter controls on Clinical Commissioning Groups to prevent potential conflicts of interest.
28 February 2012 - The Press Association
Cross-party pressure in the House of Lords on strengthening Clinical Commissioning Group governance will be reflected in further amendments to the Health Bill. Labour spearheaded a move to introduce tighter controls on Clinical Commissioning Groups to prevent potential conflicts of interest.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE BILL - Report (3rd Day) - 145 pages
Hansard - 27 February 2012 - 3.15pm - 11.34pm
Hansard - 27 February 2012 - 3.15pm - 11.34pm
DEBATE RE. RELEASE OF RISK REGISTER FOR HEALTH BILL
Andrew Lansley (Secretary of State, Health; South Cambridgeshire, Conservative)
Even the Leader of the Opposition says that reform is needed in the NHS because of the challenges that it faces. Of course we can debate what the nature of the reform should be, but the idea that we can simply stand still and that nothing in the NHS needs to change is not the view of NHS staff, patients, the Labour party or the Government.
Andrew Lansley (Secretary of State, Health; South Cambridgeshire, Conservative)
Even the Leader of the Opposition says that reform is needed in the NHS because of the challenges that it faces. Of course we can debate what the nature of the reform should be, but the idea that we can simply stand still and that nothing in the NHS needs to change is not the view of NHS staff, patients, the Labour party or the Government.
Press Release – 22 February 2012
PLANS TO CREATE POWERFUL PATIENT-LED BODIES ABANDONED BY MINISTERS
Health Minister Earl Howe revealed on February 20th that the government’s plans to ‘revolutionise NHS accountability through a power shift from Whitehall to patients, communities and the public’ are to be substantially watered down.
PLANS TO CREATE POWERFUL PATIENT-LED BODIES ABANDONED BY MINISTERS
Health Minister Earl Howe revealed on February 20th that the government’s plans to ‘revolutionise NHS accountability through a power shift from Whitehall to patients, communities and the public’ are to be substantially watered down.
CAMERON's 'SUMMIT' ON HEALTH BILL
Exclusive: Prime Minister calls summit on 'implementing NHS reforms' - 17 February, 2012 - HSJ
The Prime Minister has called a summit to discuss the “implementation of the NHS reforms” on Monday afternoon with senior healthcare leaders. Invitees include the presidents of some of the Royal Medical Colleges, NHS Confederation Chief Executive, Mike Farrar, and British Medical Association Chair, Hamish Meldrum.
Exclusive: Prime Minister calls summit on 'implementing NHS reforms' - 17 February, 2012 - HSJ
The Prime Minister has called a summit to discuss the “implementation of the NHS reforms” on Monday afternoon with senior healthcare leaders. Invitees include the presidents of some of the Royal Medical Colleges, NHS Confederation Chief Executive, Mike Farrar, and British Medical Association Chair, Hamish Meldrum.
ARL HOWE'S LETTER TO THE LORDS - 7 Pages
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE BILL – GOVERNMENT AMENDMENTS
Following discussions with Peers, Baroness Northover and Ministerial colleagues, the following
amendments aim to the strengthen the Bill:
* Secretary of State Accountability * Education and Training
* Research * Integration and competition
* Health inequalities * Greater role for patients
* Conflicts of Interest * Public Health
* Patient Confidentiality
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE BILL – GOVERNMENT AMENDMENTS
Following discussions with Peers, Baroness Northover and Ministerial colleagues, the following
amendments aim to the strengthen the Bill:
* Secretary of State Accountability * Education and Training
* Research * Integration and competition
* Health inequalities * Greater role for patients
* Conflicts of Interest * Public Health
* Patient Confidentiality
HANSARD - 09 February 2012
HealthWatch will be involved in the inspections
David Cameron anounced - Jan 6th - —" patient-led inspections to replace current PEAT (patient environment action teams)"
Michael Ellis(Northampton North, Conservative)
Asks the Secretary of State for Health how he plans to implement the Government's proposals that local people should inspect hospital wards; and how his Department will ensure that balanced and informed conclusions are made by such people.
Simon Burns (Minister of State (Health), Health; Chelmsford, Conservative)
Formal governance arrangements for the new patient-led inspections are being established. The new inspections will have patients' views at their heart from concept to delivery. Most importantly, patients and their representatives will drive the development of the new system, under the auspices of the National Quality Board, and a Department Steering Group.
The Department will be working closely with patient representative groups to ensure the involvement of patients at all stages, including development of the system, the inspection process and the validation of inspections. Local Involvement Networks, Local HealthWatchand HealthWatch England will also play a pivotal role during all stages of the project delivery to ensure the new system remains focused, and provides an informed view. To ensure that the new inspection process delivers a balanced and informed conclusion, the Department will use lessons learned from existing inspections of the hospital environment, alongside extensive stakeholder engagement. Training and ongoing support will also be provided.
HealthWatch will be involved in the inspections
David Cameron anounced - Jan 6th - —" patient-led inspections to replace current PEAT (patient environment action teams)"
Michael Ellis(Northampton North, Conservative)
Asks the Secretary of State for Health how he plans to implement the Government's proposals that local people should inspect hospital wards; and how his Department will ensure that balanced and informed conclusions are made by such people.
Simon Burns (Minister of State (Health), Health; Chelmsford, Conservative)
Formal governance arrangements for the new patient-led inspections are being established. The new inspections will have patients' views at their heart from concept to delivery. Most importantly, patients and their representatives will drive the development of the new system, under the auspices of the National Quality Board, and a Department Steering Group.
The Department will be working closely with patient representative groups to ensure the involvement of patients at all stages, including development of the system, the inspection process and the validation of inspections. Local Involvement Networks, Local HealthWatchand HealthWatch England will also play a pivotal role during all stages of the project delivery to ensure the new system remains focused, and provides an informed view. To ensure that the new inspection process delivers a balanced and informed conclusion, the Department will use lessons learned from existing inspections of the hospital environment, alongside extensive stakeholder engagement. Training and ongoing support will also be provided.
EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND PATIENT REPRESENTATIVE GAVE EVIDENCE TO THE LORDS
July 2011
Jonathan Faull, Director General for Internal Market and Services for the European Commission and Ruth Marsden, the Vice Chair of the National Association of LINks Members (NALM) appeared before the House of Lords Social Policies and Consumer Protection EU Sub-Committee.
1. THE ORAL EVIDENCE - The Patient Representative, Ruth Marsden, Vice Chair, NALM
2. THE WRITTEN EVIDENCE to Lords' European Commission Committee
July 2011
Jonathan Faull, Director General for Internal Market and Services for the European Commission and Ruth Marsden, the Vice Chair of the National Association of LINks Members (NALM) appeared before the House of Lords Social Policies and Consumer Protection EU Sub-Committee.
1. THE ORAL EVIDENCE - The Patient Representative, Ruth Marsden, Vice Chair, NALM
2. THE WRITTEN EVIDENCE to Lords' European Commission Committee
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE BILL
Report (1st Day) - 3.36 pm -113 pages
Relevant documents: 18th and 22nd Reports from the Constitution Committee.
Report (1st Day) - 3.36 pm -113 pages
Relevant documents: 18th and 22nd Reports from the Constitution Committee.
HANSARD - 07 February 2012
LHW start-up
Lord Harris of Haringey (Labour)
Asks Her Majesty's Government what are the costs arising from requiring local authorities to put out to competitive tender contracts to run local healthwatch organisations.
Earl Howe (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Quality), Health;
Conservative)
Local authorities are not requiredto go out to competitive tender for the contract for local HealthWatch organisations. Competitive tender is one of the options available to them. Any cost arising from whichever option is chosen will be the responsibility of each local authority to establish. £3.2 million is being provided to local authorities in 2012-13 to help with the start-up costs for local HealthWatch.
LHW start-up
Lord Harris of Haringey (Labour)
Asks Her Majesty's Government what are the costs arising from requiring local authorities to put out to competitive tender contracts to run local healthwatch organisations.
Earl Howe (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Quality), Health;
Conservative)
Local authorities are not requiredto go out to competitive tender for the contract for local HealthWatch organisations. Competitive tender is one of the options available to them. Any cost arising from whichever option is chosen will be the responsibility of each local authority to establish. £3.2 million is being provided to local authorities in 2012-13 to help with the start-up costs for local HealthWatch.
REPORT STAGE - THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE BILL THE HOUSE OF LORDS
Upcoming business
Upcoming business
- Monday, 27 February 2012 - Report Stage (Day 3) - Earl Howe Legislation
- Wednesday, 29 Febuary 2012 - Report Stage (Day 4) - Earl Howe Legislation
ANSARD - 01 February 2012
Local HealthWatch and Patient Led Inspections
What role will Local Involvement Networks (LINks) and Local HealthWatch organisations play in relation to patient-led inspections - and will LINks be involved in their planning and piloting.
The patient-led inspection pilots will be developed by the Department's Steering Group and will involve patients and their representatives. This includes working in collaboration with LINks who have the expertise in ‘enter and view’, and involving HealthWatch England and LHW as soon as they come into being. LINks and HealthWatch will play a pivotal role during planning, the pilots and delivery, to ensure the new system focus remains on what patients want.
Local HealthWatch and Patient Led Inspections
What role will Local Involvement Networks (LINks) and Local HealthWatch organisations play in relation to patient-led inspections - and will LINks be involved in their planning and piloting.
- David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden, Conservative)
- Simon Burns (Minister of State (Health), Health, Chelmsford, Conservative)
The patient-led inspection pilots will be developed by the Department's Steering Group and will involve patients and their representatives. This includes working in collaboration with LINks who have the expertise in ‘enter and view’, and involving HealthWatch England and LHW as soon as they come into being. LINks and HealthWatch will play a pivotal role during planning, the pilots and delivery, to ensure the new system focus remains on what patients want.
THE BILL - Future Business - THE LORDS
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
House of Lords: Main Chamber
Health and Social Care Bill - Report stage – Earl Howe Legislation
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
House of Lords: Main Chamber
Health and Social Care Bill - Report stage – Earl Howe Legislation
LABOUR LORDS POSITION
Labour’s frontbench in the Lords continues to share the view of almost every external stakeholder organisation to the NHS that the Health and Social Care Bill is unnecessary and poses risks to the patient care. Despite the legislation remaining incomplete, the unprecedented scale of reorganisation continues apace, bringing destabilisation and huge additional costs at a time when the NHS is facing major financial pressures.
Labour’s frontbench in the Lords continues to share the view of almost every external stakeholder organisation to the NHS that the Health and Social Care Bill is unnecessary and poses risks to the patient care. Despite the legislation remaining incomplete, the unprecedented scale of reorganisation continues apace, bringing destabilisation and huge additional costs at a time when the NHS is facing major financial pressures.
RISK REGISTER - HEALTH BILL PROPOSALS
The Government has still not released the risk register re the current Health Bill. It is difficult to think of any other public decision making process where decisions are made in the absence of a proper risk assessment.
The Government has still not released the risk register re the current Health Bill. It is difficult to think of any other public decision making process where decisions are made in the absence of a proper risk assessment.
YET MORE PEERS..?
From Toby, Lord Harris
Rumours have been sweeping the House of Lords for the last few weeks that Number Ten is about to announce the appointment of another 60 life peers: 40Tories; 15 LibDems and 5 Labour. This would be a net gain for the coalition of fifty votes – enough to swamp two of the three defeats that the Government suffered on the Welfare Reform Bill last week. The current membership of the House of Lords is a whopping 787 (excluding 22 peers who are on leave of absence and 17 who are disqualified or suspended for one reason or another).
From Toby, Lord Harris
Rumours have been sweeping the House of Lords for the last few weeks that Number Ten is about to announce the appointment of another 60 life peers: 40Tories; 15 LibDems and 5 Labour. This would be a net gain for the coalition of fifty votes – enough to swamp two of the three defeats that the Government suffered on the Welfare Reform Bill last week. The current membership of the House of Lords is a whopping 787 (excluding 22 peers who are on leave of absence and 17 who are disqualified or suspended for one reason or another).
LETTER FROM THE BARONESS NORTHOVER
Government Spokesperson for the Department of Health, Department for International Development, Ministry of Justice and Women and Equalities
* Letter in response to the questions raised in the Committee debate on the Health and Social Care Bill on 15 December 2011 re. the independence of HealthWatch England and Lord Warner's points with regard to the ability of HealthWatch England to be a 'campaigning' organisation ...
Government Spokesperson for the Department of Health, Department for International Development, Ministry of Justice and Women and Equalities
* Letter in response to the questions raised in the Committee debate on the Health and Social Care Bill on 15 December 2011 re. the independence of HealthWatch England and Lord Warner's points with regard to the ability of HealthWatch England to be a 'campaigning' organisation ...
HANSARD - 16 January 2012
DH Equality Impact Assessments.
What Equality Impact Assessments his Department has carried out since May 2010 - and
for what purpose in each case?
DH Equality Impact Assessments.
What Equality Impact Assessments his Department has carried out since May 2010 - and
for what purpose in each case?
- Gareth Thomas (Harrow West, Labour)
- Simon Burns (Minister of State (Health), Health; Chelmsford, Conservative)
THE BILL - Where we are at ...
The report stage, during which amendments to the Bill will be tabled, will run until late February/early March (7 separate days). There follows a third reading. At that point the bill either goes for Royal Assent (in April/May) or 'ping pongs' between Lords and Commons until agreement is reached on amendments. Very hard to see a scenario where the government would drop the entire bill but not impossible.
The report stage, during which amendments to the Bill will be tabled, will run until late February/early March (7 separate days). There follows a third reading. At that point the bill either goes for Royal Assent (in April/May) or 'ping pongs' between Lords and Commons until agreement is reached on amendments. Very hard to see a scenario where the government would drop the entire bill but not impossible.
HANSARD - 12 January 2012
What steps are being taken to ensure that disabled children are able to access the health services?
What steps are being taken to ensure that disabled children are able to access the health services?
- Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield, Labour)
- Under Secretary of State (Public Health), Health; Guildford, Conservative)
HANSARD - 10 January 2012
What assessment has beem made of the performance of early implementer (a) Health and Wellbeing Boards and (b) Local HealthWatch organisations in encouraging (i) children and young people and (ii) people with mental health problems to contribute to shaping local NHS
services?
What assessment has beem made of the performance of early implementer (a) Health and Wellbeing Boards and (b) Local HealthWatch organisations in encouraging (i) children and young people and (ii) people with mental health problems to contribute to shaping local NHS
services?
- Annette Brooke(Mid Dorset and North Poole, Liberal Democrat)
- Paul Burstow (Minister of State (Care Services), Health; Sutton and Cheam, Liberal Democrat)
- Alex Cunningham Stockton North, Labour)
- Andrew Lansley(Secretary of State, Health; South Cambridgeshire, Conservative)
LETTER IN THE TIMES
09 January 2012
44 signaturies, including Malcolm Alexander, Chair, NALM
At the start of 2011, National Voices and other patient charities warned that the Health and Social Care Bill did too little to ensure that patients would be properly involved in their healthcare. There were many later improvements to the Bill, but as we enter 2012 there are still some significant weaknesses, which the Government could remedy with cross-party support ...
09 January 2012
44 signaturies, including Malcolm Alexander, Chair, NALM
At the start of 2011, National Voices and other patient charities warned that the Health and Social Care Bill did too little to ensure that patients would be properly involved in their healthcare. There were many later improvements to the Bill, but as we enter 2012 there are still some significant weaknesses, which the Government could remedy with cross-party support ...
LORD HARRIS ON HEALTHWATCH
06 January 2012
Cameron’s patient-led inspection of hospitals is good in principle, but the Government’s plans for HealthWatch fall a long way short of making this happen ...
06 January 2012
Cameron’s patient-led inspection of hospitals is good in principle, but the Government’s plans for HealthWatch fall a long way short of making this happen ...
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE BILL
To: Rt Hon Andy Burnham, MP
Fr: Thomas Powel, Social Policy Section
Ref: 2011/12/118-SPS - 14 December 2011
The following briefing provides some background to the arguments for introducing reform through existing PCT structures, a summary of what has happened so far with the implementation of the Government's health service reforms, and what might happen if the current Bill is withdrawn. This is not a comprehensive briefing on what is obviously a very complex policy question. It also covers related areas, including patient advocacy, public health and education and training.
1. The clusting of PCTs and SHAs and the emergence of CCGs
2. NHS Commissioning Board, Clinical Senates and Clinical Networks
3. Health and Wellbeing Boards
4. Integration.
To: Rt Hon Andy Burnham, MP
Fr: Thomas Powel, Social Policy Section
Ref: 2011/12/118-SPS - 14 December 2011
The following briefing provides some background to the arguments for introducing reform through existing PCT structures, a summary of what has happened so far with the implementation of the Government's health service reforms, and what might happen if the current Bill is withdrawn. This is not a comprehensive briefing on what is obviously a very complex policy question. It also covers related areas, including patient advocacy, public health and education and training.
1. The clusting of PCTs and SHAs and the emergence of CCGs
2. NHS Commissioning Board, Clinical Senates and Clinical Networks
3. Health and Wellbeing Boards
4. Integration.
LORDS ROW OVER 'SECRET' FILE ON NHS REFORM RISK
22 December 2011 - The Press Association
The Government has said it is highly unlikely that a tribunal judgment on releasing a confidential risk assessment of its health reforms would be delivered before the legislation’s next stage through Parliament.
Labour has previously called on the government to publish the risk assessment. The government meanwhile is appealing against a decision by the Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham, who ruled recently that ministers were wrong to keep the risk register under wraps.
22 December 2011 - The Press Association
The Government has said it is highly unlikely that a tribunal judgment on releasing a confidential risk assessment of its health reforms would be delivered before the legislation’s next stage through Parliament.
Labour has previously called on the government to publish the risk assessment. The government meanwhile is appealing against a decision by the Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham, who ruled recently that ministers were wrong to keep the risk register under wraps.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE BILL: COMMITTEE (15th Day)
21 December 2011
Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Lords Chief Whip, House of Lords; Conservative)
My Lords, it is my honour and pleasure to put the Motion that the House do now adjourn. It is an veryday matter when the House is in Session in this Chamber but, once a year, it takes on a very special significance. In moving the Motion, I join with the generously expressed remarks of the noble Lord, Lord Hunt of Kings Heath. I would like to pay tribute to the stamina of my noble friend Lord Howe, to all of those on the opposition Front Benches and to all of those around the House who have taken part in the Committee stage of the Health and Social Care Bill. I wish my noble friend the Minister and all others a wholly restful Christmas Recess, despite those letters that the noble Lord, Lord Hunt, pointed out will be written. Of course, I have already offered an early Christmas present in the forthcoming business: the fact that the Report stage of the Bill will not start in at least the first two weeks when we return.
21 December 2011
Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Lords Chief Whip, House of Lords; Conservative)
My Lords, it is my honour and pleasure to put the Motion that the House do now adjourn. It is an veryday matter when the House is in Session in this Chamber but, once a year, it takes on a very special significance. In moving the Motion, I join with the generously expressed remarks of the noble Lord, Lord Hunt of Kings Heath. I would like to pay tribute to the stamina of my noble friend Lord Howe, to all of those on the opposition Front Benches and to all of those around the House who have taken part in the Committee stage of the Health and Social Care Bill. I wish my noble friend the Minister and all others a wholly restful Christmas Recess, despite those letters that the noble Lord, Lord Hunt, pointed out will be written. Of course, I have already offered an early Christmas present in the forthcoming business: the fact that the Report stage of the Bill will not start in at least the first two weeks when we return.
NATIONAL COMMISSIONING BOARD - HOUSE OF LORDS
Hansard source (Citation: HL Deb, 19 December 2011, c323W)
Hansard source (Citation: HL Deb, 19 December 2011, c323W)
THE LORDS DEBATE - Clause 178 : HealthWatch England(38 pages)
15 December 2011
Extracts referring to and quoting NALM - pages 1, 2 and 3
Lord Warner:
I know that the noble Earl, Lord Howe, has seen recently the NALM. The NALM made it very clear that they saw collaborative working between HealthWatch England and some of the other bodies as important, but that did not mean to say that it wished it to be hosted in one of those bodies. The briefing is most interesting. It says: "Our work with the CQC over the past year has given us little confidence that this is the right location for the public's independent national body concerned with health and social care".
In conclusion, I quote again the NALM briefing which was used in the meeting with the Minister. It says: "HealthWatch England needs to be lean, focused and independent and able to freely criticise the CQC and hold it to account. To place it within a bureaucracy which currently has diminishing public confidence hardly seems wise, bearing in mind the fundamental
role of HealthWatch England".
15 December 2011
Extracts referring to and quoting NALM - pages 1, 2 and 3
Lord Warner:
I know that the noble Earl, Lord Howe, has seen recently the NALM. The NALM made it very clear that they saw collaborative working between HealthWatch England and some of the other bodies as important, but that did not mean to say that it wished it to be hosted in one of those bodies. The briefing is most interesting. It says: "Our work with the CQC over the past year has given us little confidence that this is the right location for the public's independent national body concerned with health and social care".
In conclusion, I quote again the NALM briefing which was used in the meeting with the Minister. It says: "HealthWatch England needs to be lean, focused and independent and able to freely criticise the CQC and hold it to account. To place it within a bureaucracy which currently has diminishing public confidence hardly seems wise, bearing in mind the fundamental
role of HealthWatch England".
HEALTHWATCH-LORDS
22 November 2011
Extract: Baroness Wheeler: Page 5
... Does the Minister acknowledge these problems? Will he-or she-consider working with NALM and other interested stakeholders to produce an alternative model for HealthWatch England that will secure the Government's stated policy for a powerful and independent system of public involvement in health and social care?
Extract: Baroness Northover: Page 15
... The noble Baroness, Lady Wheeler, talked about engagement with stakeholders. I can assure her that there is ongoing engagement with stakeholders through a HealthWatch advisory group. The National Association of LINks Membersand others are members of this group, and there are others.
22 November 2011
Extract: Baroness Wheeler: Page 5
... Does the Minister acknowledge these problems? Will he-or she-consider working with NALM and other interested stakeholders to produce an alternative model for HealthWatch England that will secure the Government's stated policy for a powerful and independent system of public involvement in health and social care?
Extract: Baroness Northover: Page 15
... The noble Baroness, Lady Wheeler, talked about engagement with stakeholders. I can assure her that there is ongoing engagement with stakeholders through a HealthWatch advisory group. The National Association of LINks Membersand others are members of this group, and there are others.
HOUSE OF LORDS - Urgent Action for LINks
04 November 2011
A number of very helpful amendments have been put forward by Lord Rooker and Lord Harris would would substantially improve the effectiveness of HealthWatch, both locally and nationally. Get in touch with your contacts in the House of Lords urgently. There are only a few days left if we are to influence the Bill to create more powerful and effective HealthWatch organisations.
Click the title to read more ... http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/lbill/2010-2012/0092/amend/ml092-iir.htm
04 November 2011
A number of very helpful amendments have been put forward by Lord Rooker and Lord Harris would would substantially improve the effectiveness of HealthWatch, both locally and nationally. Get in touch with your contacts in the House of Lords urgently. There are only a few days left if we are to influence the Bill to create more powerful and effective HealthWatch organisations.
Click the title to read more ... http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/lbill/2010-2012/0092/amend/ml092-iir.htm
BARONESS WHEELER, LORD HARRIS AND LORD ROOKERMore details of the proposed HealthWatch Amendments
04 November 2011
Further details of the proposed HealthWatch Amendments to the Bill, led by Baroness Wheeler, Lord Harris and Lord Rooker.
DETAILS OF PEERS who have led on HealthWatch amendments and their contact details. Please contact them to give your support and contact all other Peers to ask them to support the amendments. This is urgent and critical.
The next House of Lords Committee stage will be on 07 November 2011. Full details of the amendments can be found on:
http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/healthandsocialcare.html
04 November 2011
Further details of the proposed HealthWatch Amendments to the Bill, led by Baroness Wheeler, Lord Harris and Lord Rooker.
DETAILS OF PEERS who have led on HealthWatch amendments and their contact details. Please contact them to give your support and contact all other Peers to ask them to support the amendments. This is urgent and critical.
The next House of Lords Committee stage will be on 07 November 2011. Full details of the amendments can be found on:
http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/healthandsocialcare.html
COMPLAINTS AND LITIGATION
Uncorrected Transcript of Oral Evidence taken before the Health Committee at the House of Commons. To be published as HC786-ii. (53 pages) Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Uncorrected Transcript of Oral Evidence taken before the Health Committee at the House of Commons. To be published as HC786-ii. (53 pages) Tuesday, 15 February 2011
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE BILL 2011 - HWE AND LHW
03 September 2011
Memorandum for the House of Lords Delegated Powers and regulatory Reform Committee
In deciding whether matters should be specified on the face of the Bill or allocated to delegated legislation, the Department has carefully considered the needs:
* To avoid too much technical and administrative detail on the face of the Bill;
* To provide flexibility for responding to changing circumstances, so that requirements can be adjusted without the need for
further primary legislation; and
* To allow detailed administrative arrangements to be set up and kept up to date within basic structures and principles, set
out in primary legislation, subject to Parliament’s right to challenge inappropriate use of powers.
Download File
03 September 2011
Memorandum for the House of Lords Delegated Powers and regulatory Reform Committee
In deciding whether matters should be specified on the face of the Bill or allocated to delegated legislation, the Department has carefully considered the needs:
* To avoid too much technical and administrative detail on the face of the Bill;
* To provide flexibility for responding to changing circumstances, so that requirements can be adjusted without the need for
further primary legislation; and
* To allow detailed administrative arrangements to be set up and kept up to date within basic structures and principles, set
out in primary legislation, subject to Parliament’s right to challenge inappropriate use of powers.
Download File
PAPER RE. RECOMMITTED BILL
30 August 2011
On 21 June 2011 the House agreed a motion re-committing certain clauses of the Health and Social Care Bill to the Public Bill Committee that had previously considered the Bill.
Download File
30 August 2011
On 21 June 2011 the House agreed a motion re-committing certain clauses of the Health and Social Care Bill to the Public Bill Committee that had previously considered the Bill.
Download File
THE HEALTH BILL 2011 - Public Bill Committee
The Committee is able to receive written evidence from Monday 31 January, when the Bill passes the Second Reading Stage; and will stop receiving written evidence at the end of the Committee stage on: Thursday, 31 March 2011. The Public Bill Committee is expected to meet for the first time on Tuesday 8 February 2011.
The Committee is able to receive written evidence from Monday 31 January, when the Bill passes the Second Reading Stage; and will stop receiving written evidence at the end of the Committee stage on: Thursday, 31 March 2011. The Public Bill Committee is expected to meet for the first time on Tuesday 8 February 2011.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE BILL
Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultation he plans to undertake on the provisions of the Health and Social Care Bill. [37457]
Mr Simon Burns: The Health and Social Care Bill takes forward the proposals contained in the White Paper "Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS". The Government undertook an extensive process of consultation and engagement around these proposals from July-October 2010. A variety of discussion and engagement events were held throughout this period and some 6,000 responses were received, which formed the basis for the Government's response, "Liberating the NHS: Legislative Framework and Next Steps", published on 15 December 2010. As the Bill progresses through Parliament, there will be an opportunity for Hon. Members to debate the reforms and propose amendments.
EXTRACT FROM THE SECOND READING - Health Bill
Dialogue:
- Andrew George
- Andrew Lansley
- Mr. Blunkett
- Sarah Newton
- Geraint Davies
Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultation he plans to undertake on the provisions of the Health and Social Care Bill. [37457]
Mr Simon Burns: The Health and Social Care Bill takes forward the proposals contained in the White Paper "Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS". The Government undertook an extensive process of consultation and engagement around these proposals from July-October 2010. A variety of discussion and engagement events were held throughout this period and some 6,000 responses were received, which formed the basis for the Government's response, "Liberating the NHS: Legislative Framework and Next Steps", published on 15 December 2010. As the Bill progresses through Parliament, there will be an opportunity for Hon. Members to debate the reforms and propose amendments.
EXTRACT FROM THE SECOND READING - Health Bill
Dialogue:
- Andrew George
- Andrew Lansley
- Mr. Blunkett
- Sarah Newton
- Geraint Davies
WRITTEN ANSWERS - 17 January 2011
LOCAL GOVERNMENT SPENDING REVIEW
Local Government prepares for a new age of austerity: November 2010
Local Government prepares for a new age of austerity: November 2010
SOMETHING TO REMEMBER ..!
From the Conservatives when in Opposition
Conservative Party Summit on Patient and Public Involvement - Thursday, 26 October 2006
Andrew Lansley CBE, MP - Shadow Secretary of State for Health
‘... Andrew went on to outline his concerns about LINks. Firstly, on the important issue of independence, Local Involvement Networks would struggle to be credible as long as they are funded through local government'
From the Conservatives when in Opposition
Conservative Party Summit on Patient and Public Involvement - Thursday, 26 October 2006
Andrew Lansley CBE, MP - Shadow Secretary of State for Health
‘... Andrew went on to outline his concerns about LINks. Firstly, on the important issue of independence, Local Involvement Networks would struggle to be credible as long as they are funded through local government'
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION - RISK ASSESSMENT
Letter to Andrew Lansley, CBE, MP from John Healey, MP - Shadow Health Secretary
Letter to Andrew Lansley, CBE, MP from John Healey, MP - Shadow Health Secretary