Health Service Journal
Lyn Whitfield

Lyn Whitfield on personal medical data

15-Sep-2008
Did anyone else feel a twinge of unease about the NHS's 60th anniversary celebrations? I couldn't help thinking they were very backward looking; all those 1940s-style logos and pictures of nurses holding babies in knitted cardigans.
NHS60: All roads lead to IT

30-Jun-2008
BT is dedicated to a future where information technology works for healthcare on all fronts, says Lyn Whitfield
Training: cognitive therapy first

12-May-2008
A nursing director has developed an online cognitive behavioural therapists' course as part of his MBA. Lyn Whitfield reports
Lyn Whitfield on

25-Mar-2008
When you’re in a hole, stop digging. It’s a well known maxim, but one the government seems completely incapable of applying to ID cards.
security

19-Mar-2008
The nation’s headline writers did not hold back when HM Revenue and Customs was forced to admit that it had lost the confidential details of every child benefit claimant in the country.
Lyn Whitfield on being over 30

12-Feb-2008
I attended an IT conference recently at which the keynote speaker told me I could never be a 'digital native' because I was over 30 and hadn't grown up texting.
Notes on a scandal: electronic records

11-Feb-2008
The row over summary care records rages on, but what do patients in pioneer areas think about them and do they fear invasion of privacy? Lyn Whitfield visits Bolton to find out
The benefits of picture archiving technology

11-Feb-2008
The national IT programme is proclaiming a triumph at last, says Lyn Whitfield
E-procurement strategy / launch.

9-Nov-2007
Lyn Whitfield
Lyn Whitfield on patient portals and information

9-Nov-2007
There have been some interesting developments in health portals in the past few weeks. Over in theUSA, Microsoft launched HealthVault: a free site – paid for by advertising – that allows users to store personal health information and inputs from medical devices, and choose who to share the data with.
IT programme: pioneer sites of summary care records named

1-Nov-2007
NHS Connecting for Health has announced that more than 50,000 summary care records have now been uploaded to the 'spine' that underpins the NHS care records service.
Lyn Whitfield on information creep

3-Sep-2007
'Sooner or later the NHS will be caught up in a major scandal involving records'
The waiting game: technology and the 18-week target

3-Sep-2007
Most agree the 18-week target is a worthy one, but how can it be measured? Lyn Whitfield asks whether current technology can keep up with the good intentions
NAO quizzed on 'glowing' IT report

1-Jan-2007
The National Audit Office has been told to continue to monitor the progress of the national programme for IT in the NHS after producing a report which surprised MPs with its positive conclusions.
New scrutiny for IT programme as bigger role for SHAs mooted

7-Dec-2006
Major changes to the national programme for IT in the NHS have been signalled as the NHS chief executive launched a review and MPs announced an inquiry.
Charities fear 'nuisance' penalties will discriminate

21-Sep-2006
Mental health charities have expressed serious concerns about proposals to introduce new penalties for 'nuisance and disturbance behaviour' on NHS premises.
DoH to tighten cost planning

14-Sep-2006
Trusts are to be given tight new guidelines on capital investment to ensure that running costs of new buildings and equipment can be covered, and that new income can be generated from treating patients.
Hospitals told to focus on food and cleaning

14-Sep-2006
Health minister Andy Burnham has told hospitals to focus on food and cleaning if they want to win good reviews from patients.
MPs demand rethink on IT as reforms 'sleepwalking to disaster'

14-Sep-2006
Two members of the Commons' public accounts committee have called for the national IT programme to be dismantled and local IT decisions handed back to trusts and GPs.
NHS Logistics vote to strike over transfer to DHL

14-Sep-2006
Hospitals could be left without catering and medical supplies if a strike by 1,400 staff at supply agency NHS Logistics goes ahead.
Royal Cornwall faces strike threat over job cuts to tackle £31m debt

14-Sep-2006
Royal Cornwall hospitals trust is facing public protests and threats of strike action as it takes steps to deal with a projected £31m deficit.
IT programme at 'risk' due to i-Soft problems, says review

24-Aug-2006
A review of one of the key software products being developed for the national IT programme has warned that it is not only delayed but presents a 'significant risk' of not meeting requirements.
European Commission consults on cross-border treatment

14-Aug-2006
The European Commission is to run a public consultation on encouraging patients to cross EU borders for treatment.
LYN WHITFIELD ON CHOICE

3-Nov-2005
Published: 03/11/2005 Volume 115 No. 5980 Page 2
LYN WHITFIELD ON SHIFTING DEMANDS

8-Sep-2005
Published: 08/09/2005, Volume II5, No. 5972 Page 2
Border-line case

14-Jul-2005
EUROPE
Audit watchdogs urge trusts to up finance skills

30-Jun-2005
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Report urges NHS to prepare itself for unprecedented challenges
LYN WHITFIELD ON THE CHALLENGES AHEAD

26-May-2005
Published: 26/05/2005, Volume II5, No. 5957 Page 2
NHS boards overlook IT benefits, says Granger

31-Mar-2005
NPFIT Technology must reach 3-4 per cent of NHS spend, says guru
GOING LIVE

17-Mar-2005
PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
LYN WHITFIELD ON MOBILE HEALTH

17-Mar-2005
Published: 17/03/2005, Volume II5, No. 5947 Page 2
LYN WHITFIELD ON BASELINES AND BRICKBATS

9-Dec-2004
Published: 09/12/2004, Volume II4, No. 5935 Page 2
Nurse-led case management: do not believe the hype

2-Dec-2004
Published: 02/12/2004, Volume II4, No. 5934 Page 16 17
Review will warn that evidence for case management is weak

25-Nov-2004
LONG-TERM CONDITIONS
Delays eliminated 'in four years'

4-Nov-2004
Published: 04/11/2004, Volume II4, No. 5930 Page 4
Election 'did not feature' in delay to children's service changes

4-Nov-2004
Published: 04/11/2004, Volume II4, No. 5930 Page 7
DoH urged to get tough over Sun blast

28-Oct-2004
Published: 28/10/2004, Volume II4, No. 5929 Page 4
Why more than one in 10 people in Wales are waiting for treatment

2-Sep-2004
Published: 02/09/2004, Volume II4, No. 5921 Page 10 11
Going straight: the promise to end hidden waiting times

5-Aug-2004
news in focus
Could crossed wires see the IT programme blow its fuse?

6-May-2004
Published: 06/05/2004, Volume II4, No. 5904 Page 10 11
Citizens caned

8-Apr-2004
Published: 08/04/2004, Volume II4, No.5900 Page 22
can you tell what it is yet?

18-Mar-2004
Published: 18/03/2004, Volume II4, No. 5897 Page 2 3 5
cards marked

18-Mar-2004
Published: 18/03/2004, Volume II4, No. 5897 Page 8
interactive lifestyle

18-Mar-2004
Published: 18/03/2004, Volume II4, No. 5897 Page 14
PCTs struggling in pivot tal roles

11-Mar-2004
Published: 11/03/2004, Volume II4, No. 5896 Page 8 9
In for the skill

26-Feb-2004
Published: 26/02/2004, Volume II2, No. 5894 Page 13 14
School of thought

26-Feb-2004
Published: 26/02/2004, Volume II2, No. 5894 Page 18 19
Keep it simple, stupid

19-Feb-2004
Published: 19/02/2004, Volume II4, No. 5893 Page 20
Granger awards Southern LSP contract

29-Jan-2004
Published: 29/01/2004, Volume II4, No. 5890 Page 6 7
money where his mouth is

15-Jan-2004
Comment
open day

15-Jan-2004
feature
revolution blues

15-Jan-2004
feature
Catch them if he can

16-Oct-2003
the hsj interview: Jim Gee
Boom or bust?

4-Sep-2003
BOOKS ETC
Pick your own

28-Aug-2003
BOOKS ETC
Confidentiality worries dog electronic record shortlist

14-Aug-2003
Published: 14/08/2003, Volume II3, No. 5868 Page 7
In search of meaning

14-Aug-2003
BOOKS ETC
Drug rehabilitation

7-Aug-2003
BOOKS ETC
do not look now

24-Jul-2003
news focus
Sweet and sour

19-Jun-2003
There are so many good news stories around - reduced waiting lists, more work done in primary care and a good start on modernisation.So the NHS chief executive and former sweet factory manager is more than a little miffed that no-one seems to have noticed
Tension seeker

12-Jun-2003
the hsj interview: Dave Prentis
how grand is national?

8-May-2003
Comment
Data day

3-Apr-2003
news focus
In the balance

27-Mar-2003
doctors and managers
trouble on the cards

27-Mar-2003
Immigration is an increasingly significant factor in the identity card debate, but does it come at the expense of more important considerations, asks Lyn Whitfield
In rude health

20-Mar-2003
the hsj interview: Richard Granger
Centre of attention

20-Feb-2003
Published: 20/02/2001, Volume II3, No. 5843 Page 19 21
The uni cycle

20-Feb-2003
Published: 20/02/2003, Volume II3, No. 5843 Page 17
Fast forward

30-Jan-2003
Special Report: Buildings
behind closed doors

16-Jan-2003
Gateway reviews are shrouded in secrecy.They shouldn't be, says Lyn Whitfield
The claim game

7-Nov-2002
SPECIAL REPORT law
The identity crisis

26-Sep-2002
Published: 26/09/2002, Volume II2, No. 5824 Page 1
Take steps for change

2-May-2002
hsj event HSJ 's Management Challenge offers a chance to prepare for the demands of a patient-focused NHS, explains Lyn Whitfield
Scared 'rabbits' ponder IT boost

25-Apr-2002
Published:25/04/2002, Volume II2, No. 5802, Page 6 7
Slice of life

25-Apr-2002
my brilliant career - nurse management - After a 30-year absence, patients are welcoming matrons back to hospital wards. But how does the role, with its historic baggage, fit in with the demands of modern management, asks Lyn Whitfield
Electronic dreams

21-Mar-2002
Lyn Whitfield has seen EHRs become a recurring theme
Call of the wild

21-Feb-2002
HSJ MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE Elsie Jones and her dodgy hips, non-executives with wandering hands, arson. All part of a day's work at the HSJ Management Challenge, says Lyn Whitfield
Found wanting

21-Feb-2002
OVERVIEW Improving Working Lives promised so much to NHS staff but has delivered very little, says Lyn Whitfield
Life in the fast lane

21-Feb-2002
EUROPEAN COMPUTER DRIVING LICENCE Governments keep expressing their commitment to improve the IT skills of NHS staff. So is the European computer driving licence what they have been looking for? Lyn Whitfield reports
Out of the Fryer plan

21-Feb-2002
NHS University chief executive, and sole employee, Bob Fryer sees learning as a core principle for any career. He talks to Lyn Whitfield
Milburn 'earmarks' £85m for IT as boost to modernisation

13-Dec-2001
Published: 13/12/2001, Volume III, No. 5785 Page 8
Sole mates

13-Dec-2001
Will getting into bed with Microsoft herald a new dawn for NHS IT or does reliance on one company bring its own risks, asks Lyn Whitfield
Soldiering on

29-Nov-2001
my brilliant career - mental health
For whom the Bell tolls

8-Nov-2001
NEWS FOCUS: After an abrupt departure from the NHS Information Authority, Nigel Bell claims to be having a 'really exciting time' at the government's Office of the e-Envoy.Lyn Whitfield finds out what he's trying to achieve
Down to a fine art

18-Oct-2001
my brilliant career - social services
Hobson's choice

11-Oct-2001
enovation: Watch out for 'Big Brother'government, says Lyn Whitfield
Hobson's choice

11-Oct-2001
enovation: Watch out for 'Big Brother'government, says Lyn Whitfield
Man with the plan

27-Sep-2001
MY BRILLIANT CAREER - HUMAN RESOURCES: John Sargent has just taken on one of the newest - and potentially crucial - jobs in the country. He talks to Lyn Whitfield about the challenges he faces
Groups: a guide to small group work in healthcare management, education and research

30-Aug-2001
books
If looks could kill

23-Aug-2001
NEWS FOCUS: The number of organisations jostling for the right to audit parts of the NHS has reached epidemic proportions.But if the future brings a cull, where will the knife fall? Lyn Whitfield takes a look
Making it count

2-Aug-2001
MY BRILLIANT CAREER - FINANCE: Balancing financial resources with the needs of a community is never easy - particularly when mergers are thrown into the mix. Lyn Whitfield talks to a man who has dealt with both
Mail shot

28-Jun-2001
NEWS FOCUS: Would a conceptual 'alliance'of pro-NHS organisations help to counteract negative media coverage of the health service? Lyn Whitfield reports
A very private punch-up

5-Apr-2001
Anger with Labour over the private finance initiative dominated debate at Unison's healthcare service group conference.Lyn Whitfield reports
Search is on for best players

5-Apr-2001
As the NHS hurtles through more change, HSJ and Birmingham University's health services management centre invite managers to join this year's Management Challenge. Lyn Whitfield outlines how it stimulates real-world problems - and solutions
Money where the mouth is

29-Mar-2001
At last week's HC2001 conference, junior health minister Gisela Stuart struggled to close the gap between rhetoric and reality on NHS IT. Lyn Whitfield reports
Doctor know

8-Mar-2001
The delicate issue of patient consent is at the heart of debate over a bill which will empower the health secretary to allow exchange of confidential information. Lyn Whitfield reports
Fine delivery

22-Feb-2001
The technicians will bring us all the information we want, but it will not be any good unless we know what to do with it. Lyn Whitfield reports
Fancy that

25-Jan-2001
The latest initiative to improve hospital food caught the headlines with its 'celeb chefs', but can it succeed where others haven't, asks Lyn Whitfield
Record breakers

25-Jan-2001
The revised IM&T strategy for the NHS promises a 'vibrant, networked' future. Haven't we heard that one before, wonders Lyn Whitfield
Byte hard

4-Jan-2001
Two primary care managers talk to Lyn Whitfield about the challenges they face driving forward the IT and clinical governance agendas
Virtually perfect

7-Dec-2000
The NHS could soon have an electronic library if a new pilot works out. But will it ever be 'one of the great libraries of the world', wonders Lyn Whitfield
People 'unable to pay more for elderly care'

26-Oct-2000
A leading think-tank has cast doubt on the government's plans to push people into taking out secondary pensions and insurance to fund longterm care.
Payroll pilots will explore shared services

19-Oct-2000
All NHS payroll and accounts services could be dealt with by as few as 10 shared service centres under plans being discussed by the NHS Executive.
Beam me up, Bournemouth

12-Oct-2000
Astride a Star Trek set, William Hague delighted the Conservative conference, though on health he may get a rougher ride from voters than he did from delegates, reports Lyn Whitfield
Fluoride study fails to spark major changes

12-Oct-2000
The publication of the 'most comprehensive review of research on water fluoridation' has done nothing to unite fiercely pro and anti-fluoridation lobby groups.
N. Ireland to get nurse consultants

5-Oct-2000
Nurse consultant posts have been introduced to Northern Ireland by health minister Bairbre de Brun.
Things can only get. . . different?

28-Sep-2000
The Lib Dems are still keeping - a bit of - faith with Labour, and blame the Conservatives rather than Tony Blair for the NHS's problems. Lyn Whitfield reports from their Bournemouth conference
Dig that debate

7-Sep-2000
The private finance initiative continues to enrage its critics. But its supporters claim their opposition is a relic of a former age. Lyn Whitfield wonders where the future lies
Pick your own

24-Aug-2000
Does the NHS plan deliver on Tony Blair's grand vision for transforming the delivery of public health, or is it just a list of things to do? Lyn Whitfield looks at what it has to offer
Scots medical chief bows out with 'healthier nation' claim

24-Aug-2000
Sir David Carter has delivered his last annual report as Scotland's chief medical officer, arguing Scotland has become 'healthier' since he took up the post in 1996, but accepting it is 'nowhere near healthy enough'.
Clean sweep

10-Aug-2000
The government promises that dirt and grime are to be banished from hospitals - now. Lyn Whitfield wonders if a quick fix is really the answer
Let's party like we did in '97

13-Jul-2000
It's never too early to set out your agenda. As election fever begins to take grip, Lyn Whitfield looks at who's backing who and at what could be in store for the health service
A bit under the weather

6-Jul-2000
It has been a terrible year for doctors, and they made their feelings all too clear at the British Medical Association's annual representative meeting. Lyn Whitfield had her finger on the pulse
Local health groups 'need clear direction'

6-Jul-2000
Enthusiasm for Wales' local health groups could wane unless they are given more powers and a clear sense of direction, the Audit Commission has warned.
Safety match

29-Jun-2000
A unit offering a haven for rape victims is bringing together forensic, psychiatric and medical services - and changing the way the police handle this crime. Lyn Whitfield reports
Is the public ready for its personal hotline to Alan Milburn?

8-Jun-2000
Lyn Whitfield did the rounds in Winchester
Milburn cautious on inquiries into killings by the mentally ill

1-Jun-2000
Health secretary Alan Milburn has indicated that the government may be reluctant to abandon automatic inquiries into killings by people with mental health problems.
Vacuum task

25-May-2000
With continuing uncertainty about the long-term future of devolved government, the furious pace of reform in the Northern Ireland health service has juddered to a halt. Lyn Whitfield reports
Absolutely fabulous

18-May-2000
The New Health Network, set up to champion change by enthusing NHS staff, now has a chief executive who oozes enthusiasm and wants others to be as ecstatic.Lyn Whitfield reports
'Missing leaders' are urged to drive change

11-May-2000
-NHS Confederation chief executive Stephen Thornton has called for the creation of a 'cadre of local leaders' to drive change in the health service.
Over to you

4-May-2000
Ready to shape the future of the NHS? The government's 'national' consultation of staff and public has begun, and even those with misgivings are part of it. Lyn Whitfield reports
Minister rejects Fritchie criticism of political fixing as 'anecdotal'

27-Apr-2000
Junior health minister Gisela Stuart has indicated that the government is unwilling to accept a report by the commissioner for public appointments that concluded NHS boards have been 'politicised in a systematic way'.
Milburn pledges new hospital grime-wave

13-Apr-2000
NHS managers will be issued with 'explicit' guidelines on how to clean hospitals following health secretary Alan Milburn's pledge to crack down on grime.
Three chairs for democracy

13-Apr-2000
HSJ invited the four leading London mayoral hopefuls to debate health. Three couldn't stop agreeing with one another - but the fourth was a trifle late in putting his argument. Lyn Whitfield reports
Strung along

6-Apr-2000
The government's presentational handling of massive extra cash for the NHS has engendered wariness - and weariness - about its real intentions. Lyn Whitfield reports
Budget's £600m bonanza soured by claim of anti-bureauccrat spin

30-Mar-2000
The government's decision to distribute £600m of Budget cash to the NHS with no strings attached has been warmly welcomed - but overshadowed by claims that the announcement was 'spun' into an 'anti-bureaucrat crusade'.
Who wants to be a billionaire?

30-Mar-2000
The NHS has been given extra funding beyond its wildest dreams, but how will it be used to force through New Labour's modernisation crusade? Lyn Whitfield investigates
Point of departure

2-Mar-2000
Is Alan Milburn going to seize the opportunity presented by Sir Alan Langlands' resignation to bring frontline managers to the very top of the NHS? The policy rumours have been flying thick and fast this week, reports Lyn Whitfield
BAT-man Clarke fights back in smuggling row

24-Feb-2000
Former health secretary Kenneth Clarke has accused the health select committee of abusing parliamentary privilege in a session on tobacco smuggling.
Variable interest

3-Feb-2000
Given a government obsessed, some would say, with inspection in the NHS, what will the Audit Commission's future role in healthcare be? Lyn Whitfield reports
Extra £90m to ease generic drug costs

6-Jan-2000
The government has performed a partial U-turn in its policy on dealing with the knock-on effects of the spiralling cost of generic drugs.
Hitting the roof

6-Jan-2000
An expected £17m saving turned out to be £5m, Sir Alan Langlands was forced to admit, as MPs quizzed him on a key PFI project. Lyn Whitfield was there
Roylance in plea for future of high-risk ops

16-Dec-1999
The former chief executive of United Bristol Healthcare trust has appealed to the Bristol Royal Infirmary inquiry to find a way of preventing similar tragedies without depriving high-risk patients of treatment.
The buck stops where?

16-Dec-1999
As the first phase of the inquiry into the Bristol heart babies scandal reaches its end, the emerging picture is more complex than first thought, writes Lyn Whitfield
Union PFI report sparks trust ire

16-Dec-1999
Carlisle Hospitals trust has reacted strongly to a report by opponents of the private finance initiative that claims its well-advanced project has 'worsened the trust's financial situation'.
Langlands rebukes HFMA as DoH turns the screw on media

9-Dec-1999
NHS chief executive Sir Alan Langlands has rebuked finance directors in the wake of a survey showing that the NHS is set to plunge into deficit this year.
Publish and be damned

9-Dec-1999
Release of a survey showing a likely £1bn NHS deficit brought the HFMA a sharp rebuke at its annual conference last week, reports Lyn Whitfield
Roll over, Enthoven

2-Dec-1999
The internal market in the NHS never really happened first time round, so it's time to give it another go, its champion tells Lyn Whitfield
In tents experience

18-Nov-1999
With an emphasis on 'positive well-being', the Dome's approach to health issues isn't rigorously intellectual. But the Tube link is superb. Lyn Whitfield reports
Bristol spotlight moves on to care

11-Nov-1999
More than 30 children who died after undergoing heart surgery in Bristol in the 1980s and early 1990s could have been saved, the Bristol Royal Infirmary inquiry was told last week.
DoH accuses drug firms of 'profiteering'

11-Nov-1999
The Department of Health and drug suppliers have clashed over who is responsible for the rocketing cost of unbranded medicines.
Third HA plan follows Assembly pressure

7-Oct-1999
Cash-strapped Dyfed Powys health authority has issued its third set of proposals for dealing with its situation in three years.
Complaints procedure is 'failing' at all stages

30-Sep-1999
news
Come in number 35, your time is up

2-Sep-1999
news focus:
NAO has missed PFI flaws, critics claim

19-Aug-1999
this week
Complying with law on disabled access is 'huge' burden on funds

12-Aug-1999
news
Definitely maybe

12-Aug-1999
news focus:
CHCs blame Michael for shake-up delay

5-Aug-1999
news
Care-free and single?

29-Jul-1999
An impressive start by Wales' single ambulance trust has been marred by disputes with staff and complaints about rural cover, writes Lyn Whitfield
Dobson praises PFI for early hand-overs

29-Jul-1999
Health secretary Frank Dobson returned to his defence of the private finance initiative last week by telling MPs that publicly funded hospitals were still being delivered late while PFI projects were being handed over early.
Dobson fires shot at opportunist lawyers

22-Jul-1999
The only place for lawyers in a hospital 'is on the operating table' - health secretary Frank Dobson told MPs last week.
Dobson turns his wrath on PFI critics

22-Jul-1999
Health secretary Frank Dobson tackled critics of the private finance initiative head-on this week, as sceptical MPs quizzed Department of Health officials on the scheme.
2000 compliance: four trusts not up to scratch

8-Jul-1999
News
Wales is warned tough choices lie ahead on future of health service

1-Jul-1999
news
Ghost of 'league tables' stalks indicators

17-Jun-1999
this week
Taking the stand

17-Jun-1999
news focus:
Ups and downs

10-Jun-1999
news focus:
'We can't judge clinicians' says Roylance

10-Jun-1999
This week
King's Evil reigns again

29-Apr-1999
news focus
Ruler of all he surveys

25-Mar-1999
news focus
CHC wins access to PFI scheme in 'groundbreaking' deal on rights

25-Feb-1999
A community health council has secured 'groundbreaking' access to a new private finance initiative hospital.
Concern grows over 'command' culture

18-Feb-1999
Senior managers have expressed concern about a return to a 'command and control' culture in the new NHS.
Trusts forced to join risk pooling in crackdown on insurance costs

18-Feb-1999
The government has decided to push ahead with changes to the way trusts insure themselves against non-clinical risks.
After Henry

11-Feb-1999
The NHS Bill is a skeletal piece of legislation which conjures up the ghost of Henry Vlll in the powers it gives ministers. Lyn Whitfield reports
Damning Unison analysis of PFI hospital is 'wrong', claims trust

11-Feb-1999
A scathing analysis of the case for a leading private finance initiative project has concluded that it will deliver poorer service and cost more than a publicly funded scheme.
Drug prices targeted in Health Bill reforms

4-Feb-1999
Sweeping powers to curb the cost of drugs to the NHS and 'modernise' professional self-regulation have been laid out in the government's Health Bill.
Fund urges realism on revamped charter

3-Dec-1998
The Patient's Charter is 'flawed and constraining', and the government should consider carefully what it aims to achieve with a replacement, a King's Fund report has concluded.
2000 bug compliance work sparks IT crash

26-Nov-1998
A major teaching hospital was forced to implement its 'internal disaster plan' after work to tackle the year 2000 computer problem caused a telecommunications crash.
Ministers lay plans to savage fundholding if bill is delayed

26-Nov-1998
Ministers have drawn up contingency plans to emasculate GP fundholding in case the bill to abolish the scheme fails to become law by 31 March next year.
Social policy 'must focus on inequalities'

22-Oct-1998
The chair of the government's inquiry into inequalities in health has called for 'health inequality impact assessments' to be applied to all areas of social policy.
Book adds to criticism of Health of the Nation

15-Oct-1998
The Health of the Nation programme launched by the former Conservative government has come under fire for the second time in two weeks, this time from right-wing think-tank the Social Market Foundation.
Guidance gives the go-ahead for Welsh local health groups

15-Oct-1998
Welsh health minister Jon Owen Jones has given the green light to local health groups by issuing detailed guidance on their role, structure and funding.
Reforms 'could lead to financial instability'

15-Oct-1998
Finance managers have raised renewed concerns that a lack of guidance on implementing the detail of the government's NHS reforms could lead to financial instability.
Action on CJD doubles cost of blood to trusts

8-Oct-1998
Trusts could see the cost of blood more than double next year as a result of the 'mad cow disease' crisis.
Money's too tight to mention

8-Oct-1998
One of the most fiercely opposed hospital merger plans has failed to deliver the promised millions in of pounds in savings. Last week, managers met the public to explain why. Lyn Whitfield was there
Annual 'waves' of 'five or six' PFI projects set to get go-ahead

24-Sep-1998
NHS finance director Colin Reeves has predicted that 'five or six' large private finance initiative projects are likely to be given the go- ahead each year.
Welsh trust consultation closes in face of local anger

24-Sep-1998
Public consultation on plans to halve the number of trusts in Wales has closed with a whistle-stop tour of areas opposed to the changes by Welsh health minister Jon Owen Jones.
Rising Welsh waiting lists 'unacceptable' says minister

10-Sep-1998
Senior managers have been ordered to take a 'personal lead' in reducing Welsh waiting lists.
Hospital slates decision to delay using paediatric ward left empty after revamp

3-Sep-1998
Health authorities are being asked to pay for a paediatric neurosurgery ward that has been standing empty for six months and may now never open.
Welsh Office draws up new CHC focus

3-Sep-1998
Community health councils 'lack a clear focus for their activities' and stretch resources 'unproductively', according to a Welsh Office document setting out stark options for change.
Milburn renews attack on market with scheme to replace risk insurance firms

27-Aug-1998
Health minister Alan Milburn has angered the insurance industry by unveiling plans to change the way trusts cover themselves against non- clinical risks.
Tight timing for PCG start

27-Aug-1998
Health authorities have been given a tight timetable for getting the first piece of the primary care group funding jigsaw in place.
Labour pains

16-Jul-1998
This year, the British Medical Association's annual representative meeting follows 14 months of Labour government. But the doctors' leaders don't seem very happy. Lyn Whitfield reports
Scotland's NHS to be different to England's

2-Jul-1998
Plans to overhaul Scottish hospitals will leave the country with a very different health service to that in England, Scottish health minister Sam Galbraith said this week.
Corps services

25-Jun-1998
After a critical report on military health services, army and civilian staff at an MoD hospital unit in one NHS acute trust are soldiering on together, writes Lyn Whitfield
Doctors' gain is NHS managers' pain as minister details make-up of PCG boards

25-Jun-1998
Managers' leaders have voiced serious concerns about new guidance giving GPs a dominant role on primary care group boards.
Manager s express doubts over Milburn's plans for shake-up of NHS finance regime

18-Jun-1998
Two key government proposals to shake up the financial regime of the NHS have been greeted with scepticism by managers' leaders who say they cannot see how the new approach will reduce bureaucracy.
Pressure increases to finance MS drugs

18-Jun-1998
Health authorities could be under pressure to fund Betaferon treatment for thousands more patients - at a cost of millions of pounds - by the end of the year.
Staffing crisis looms at screening centres

18-Jun-1998
Breast cancer screening services could be facing a staffing crisis as pressure grows to bring more women into the scheme.
All aboard?

11-Jun-1998
Senior finance managers are increasingly worried about how primary care groups will work. Lyn Whitfield reports on an exclusive HSJ/HFMA survey
Union blasts Scottish blood service shake-up that mirrors English move

4-Jun-1998
Union leaders have condemned the biggest shake-up of Scotland's blood transfusion service in 50 years.
news focus

28-May-1998
Groups dynamic
The rest is silence

28-May-1998
The National Blood Authority board meeting made little drama out of its latest crisis. Lyn Whitfield reports
Joint approach

7-May-1998
The government's anti-drugs initiative aims at prevention, targeting the young and working with education and health authorities. Lyn Whitfield reports
NHSE urged to make trusts honour senior contracts

7-May-1998
Senior managers' organisations have called for action to prevent 'hundreds' of contractual disputes as the next round of NHS reforms gathers pace.
Who's sorry now?

30-Apr-1998
If Frank Dobson went down badly at the RCN congress, his Tory counterpart did even worse. Lyn Whitfield reports
Finance managers: give us timetable for latest reforms

23-Apr-1998
Finance managers have warned the government to get to grips with the process of implementing its NHS reforms before it is too late. They want a timetable by the end of the month, setting out the work needed to implement the white paper.
GPs' leaders demand huge rise in medical students

23-Apr-1998
GPs' leaders have urged the government to approve a massive increase in medical student numbers to help avert a 'crisis' in family doctor services.
Building up confidence

16-Apr-1998
Reactions to the announcement of 11 new hospital developments, 10 funded by PFI, vary from 'great news' to 'reckless'. Lyn Whitfield reports
Sacking of blood authority chair widely applauded

16-Apr-1998
The decision to sack Sir Colin Walker as chair of the National Blood Authority has been widely applauded.
Mixed welcome for radical Welsh trust cuts proposals

9-Apr-1998
Radical proposals to halve the number of trusts in Wales have been given a mixed reception by campaign groups.
Paved with good intentions

9-Apr-1998
The foundations of health action zones are set. It's now time to build local policies and structures. Lyn Whitfield reports
White paper reconfiguration could leave Scotland with just 27 trusts

9-Apr-1998
Detailed proposals to make a radical reduction in the number of Scottish trusts have been issued by health boards.
Key role for NHS in welfare reform

2-Apr-1998
Managers' leaders reacted cautiously last week to the government's plans for welfare reform.
London's turning

12-Feb-1998
Bart's may be 'saved', but the capital's health services are revealed to be still in a state of dangerous disarray.
The same, but different

22-Jan-1998
The NHS white paper for Wales emerged only after a process of negotiation between government departments,

Editor's Comment

Health Service JournalLyn Whitfield

Health Service Journal
Lyn Whitfield