Report comment

The prime example of the Stalin-like operation of the NCB is what is happening in Greater Manchester. The LAT are attempting to run roughshod over the CCGs and impose the desires of the local commissar (Sorry LAT Chief Executive) on the whole Health Economy. Andy Burnham has already highlighted in Parliament how “Healthier Together” is the largest source of rumour and conjecture in the current NHS. That’s because the NCB want to impose their ideas not just about changing clinical pathways but also how Medical Education should be run in Manchester.

At least one CCG has already discussed at their Board their fears that some changes will be sneaked through before April 1st. All this with public consultation that consists of meetings at which only general principles are discussed. Hard to be opposed to a better Apple Pie when the only argument is that centralisation means better clinical outcomes. There would be a bit more concern if the LAT came clean and admitted that they want only one main bakery surrounded on the outskirts by small warming ovens that would be totally subject to whatever flavours the Chief Baker wants to provide. We must hope that that if this Government means even 10% of what it said about local decision taking it will stop this farce before irrevocable decisions are taken which the real commissioners (i.e. the CCGs) are unable to stop.

If you want the perfect example of how the NCB follows Stalin to the letter look at the dispute with Georgia early in his reign. When the Georgians wanted more local control they were told they were being selfish and that the greater good should prevail. Await similar words from the Manchester LAT