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23/07/2003
NHS targets are endangering patient health, says Tories
The Conservative Party have called on the government to let hospitals operate without undue political interference following a damning report by an influential parliamentary committee yesterday.
The Public Administration Committee’s report claimed that up to 25 people had lost their sight in Bristol after a hospital cancelled their appointments in order to meet waiting time targets,
Shadow Secretary of State for Health Liam Fox also called upon the government to establish how widespread this practice has become.
“The government must establish exactly how widespread the practice of prioritising government NHS targets, at the expense of the health of patients, has become," he said.
“Clinicians should be able to decide when and where to treat their patients based on their clinical needs. They should not be forced to treat people according to political priorities set by a government determined to meet its waiting times targets at any cost.
“The Prime Minister was warned by the Director of cardiac-thoracic services at Bristol Royal Infirmary, Dr Peter Wilde, in 2000 that targets were distorting clinical priorities. Twenty-five people have now lost their sight.
"What more will it take for Ministers to let healthcare professionals do their jobs without constant political interference?"
(GMcG)
The Public Administration Committee’s report claimed that up to 25 people had lost their sight in Bristol after a hospital cancelled their appointments in order to meet waiting time targets,
Shadow Secretary of State for Health Liam Fox also called upon the government to establish how widespread this practice has become.
“The government must establish exactly how widespread the practice of prioritising government NHS targets, at the expense of the health of patients, has become," he said.
“Clinicians should be able to decide when and where to treat their patients based on their clinical needs. They should not be forced to treat people according to political priorities set by a government determined to meet its waiting times targets at any cost.
“The Prime Minister was warned by the Director of cardiac-thoracic services at Bristol Royal Infirmary, Dr Peter Wilde, in 2000 that targets were distorting clinical priorities. Twenty-five people have now lost their sight.
"What more will it take for Ministers to let healthcare professionals do their jobs without constant political interference?"
(GMcG)
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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.
20 January 2005
Kennedy outlines Liberal Democrat's plans for health
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03 January 2006
Report calls for mental health services overhaul
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30 March 2004
Government hails progress on child poverty targets
Up to 700,000 children have been lifted out of relative income poverty since Labour came to power, according to government statistics released today. The Households Below Average Income (HBAI) 2002/03 figures also revealed that 200,000 more children had escaped income poverty in the past year.
Government hails progress on child poverty targets
Up to 700,000 children have been lifted out of relative income poverty since Labour came to power, according to government statistics released today. The Households Below Average Income (HBAI) 2002/03 figures also revealed that 200,000 more children had escaped income poverty in the past year.
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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.
