Published: 21/02/2002, Volume II2, No. 5792 Page 10
The Labour Party proposes four 'fundamental changes' for the NHS in its pre-election health policy paper launched this week. It wants a switch of emphasis to primary care; concentration on the needs of elderly people and mentally ill patients; emphasis on quality as well as quantity and a 'stronger contribution to promoting a healthier nation'.
Labour argues that the internal market and imposition of 'commercial values'have jeopardised all four.
The Liberal Democrats would abolish trusts, GP fundholding, the internal market and appointed health authorities, it has revealed in its health manifesto. In would come service agreements, 'common'management structures, new medical hierarchies and elected HAs merged with family health services authorities to provide 'seamless care'.
Problems with a controversial new£1.5m computer-aided dispatch system at the London ambulance service may have contributed to a patient's death, claims trade union NUPE. LAS has admitted that parts of the system, introduced last month, broke down for an hour, causing 999 calls to be 'lost'.
Private hospitals could cash in on the five-week drive to treat all NHS patients who have been waiting more than two years for treatment, managers say.Some have marked up prices by 50 to 100 per cent, and in one case a company quoted a price eight times the NHS figure.
BUPA has struck its first deal with a trust to promote day-case surgery for private patients using NHS facilities.The agreement will mean extra income for Manchester Central trust, which is facing 'critical' financial problems.BUPA is under pressure from its corporate clients to reduce premiums and is keen to promote same-day treatments.
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