Menu
26/10/2011
Gov 'Climb Down' Over Medical Bill Amendment
The Government is expected to make a climb down over a pivotal part of the controversial medical bill, currently being assessed in the House of Lords.
It has emerged that the Government will now accept an amendment to the Social Care Bill put forward by Lord Mackay to clarify the role of the Secretary of State as responsible for the running of the NHS.
“This is a humiliating climb-down for the Health Secretary," Labour's Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham said.
He added: “The Prime Minister’s Health Bill is in complete chaos and is unravelling before his eyes. Last week [Andrew] Lansley’s [The Health Secretary] preferred choice to run the NHS told him his Bill was 'completely unintelligible'. Now he is being forced to accept his responsibilities to run a comprehensive National Health Service.
“The Prime Minister should end this unseemly spectacle and drop his unwanted Bill."
Peers debating the controversial health bill had raised concerns about the ambiguity of the role of the health secretary under the NHS reforms.
During the debate, Lib Dem Baroness Shirley Williams said a major health emergency in the country was an example of when the secretary of state's role was unclear.
The Health and Social Care Bill continues its tough passage through the committee stage in the House of Lords having faced criticism over its proposed increase in NHS competition and move to put GP-led groups in control of buying care in their areas.
The bill has faced major opposition from health worker unions, most notably the British Medical Association.
(DW)
It has emerged that the Government will now accept an amendment to the Social Care Bill put forward by Lord Mackay to clarify the role of the Secretary of State as responsible for the running of the NHS.
“This is a humiliating climb-down for the Health Secretary," Labour's Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham said.
He added: “The Prime Minister’s Health Bill is in complete chaos and is unravelling before his eyes. Last week [Andrew] Lansley’s [The Health Secretary] preferred choice to run the NHS told him his Bill was 'completely unintelligible'. Now he is being forced to accept his responsibilities to run a comprehensive National Health Service.
“The Prime Minister should end this unseemly spectacle and drop his unwanted Bill."
Peers debating the controversial health bill had raised concerns about the ambiguity of the role of the health secretary under the NHS reforms.
During the debate, Lib Dem Baroness Shirley Williams said a major health emergency in the country was an example of when the secretary of state's role was unclear.
The Health and Social Care Bill continues its tough passage through the committee stage in the House of Lords having faced criticism over its proposed increase in NHS competition and move to put GP-led groups in control of buying care in their areas.
The bill has faced major opposition from health worker unions, most notably the British Medical Association.
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 February 2012
Gov Has 'Listened To Peers' On Health Bill
The Government has said it has listened to peers over it's highly controversial Health bill, as it prepares to enter the House of Lords for a second time next week. The bill has attracted wide criticism over its proposed reforms to the NHS that would see increased competition and major adjustments to the management structures.
Gov Has 'Listened To Peers' On Health Bill
The Government has said it has listened to peers over it's highly controversial Health bill, as it prepares to enter the House of Lords for a second time next week. The bill has attracted wide criticism over its proposed reforms to the NHS that would see increased competition and major adjustments to the management structures.
23 June 2010
NHS Backs 'Psychological Therapies'
Psychological therapies will continue to be rolled out across the NHS in the coming year Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has announced.
NHS Backs 'Psychological Therapies'
Psychological therapies will continue to be rolled out across the NHS in the coming year Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has announced.
01 July 2003
Backlash mounts over government's NHS targets
Following hard on the heels of a damning Panorama report on NHS targets on Sunday, the BMA's chairman has mounted a ferocious assault on the government – claiming that a "creeping, morale-sapping erosion of doctors' clinical autonomy" has been brought about by Whitehall interference.
Backlash mounts over government's NHS targets
Following hard on the heels of a damning Panorama report on NHS targets on Sunday, the BMA's chairman has mounted a ferocious assault on the government – claiming that a "creeping, morale-sapping erosion of doctors' clinical autonomy" has been brought about by Whitehall interference.
21 June 2011
Government Sets Out Future Of The NHS
The Government has set out further details of the improvements it will make to its plans to modernise the NHS and put patients at the heart of the health service. Last week the Government accepted the core recommendations of the independent NHS Future Forum.
Government Sets Out Future Of The NHS
The Government has set out further details of the improvements it will make to its plans to modernise the NHS and put patients at the heart of the health service. Last week the Government accepted the core recommendations of the independent NHS Future Forum.
12 March 2012
Party Split On Health Bill Leaves Clegg Isolated
Nick Clegg’s leadership of the Liberal Democrat party could be under threat after the party refused the back the NHS reform bill at its conference on the weekend.
Party Split On Health Bill Leaves Clegg Isolated
Nick Clegg’s leadership of the Liberal Democrat party could be under threat after the party refused the back the NHS reform bill at its conference on the weekend.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
