I care very deeply about our NHS. The principle of care being available free at the point of need, and regardless of ability to pay, is fundamental to the kind of nation we are. There is no suggestion of this being undermined, still less jettisoned. I will always fight for Cheltenham residents to receive the best possible healthcare – be that at Cheltenham General Hospital or via their GP.
In terms of the proposals you refer to, it’s important to note (as indeed Sir Simon Stevens did recently) that plans for Integrated Care Services are very much driven by the NHS rather than politicians. There has been a strong call from within the organisation for more joined up, integrated care between the NHS, local government and other partners including the voluntary and community sector, in order to improve the long-term sustainability of patient services.
In that regard, I note too the comments from Nigel Edwards, the Chief Executive of the health policy think tank the Nuffield Trust. He stated that these proposed reforms would allow GPs, hospitals, community services and social care to “work better and more effectively together” in the longer term.
I am advised that these proposed reforms will also include proper accountability mechanisms and give patients and the public the confidence that they are receiving the best care from their healthcare system.
Service provision by the independent and voluntary sectors has been, and continues to be, an important and valuable feature of our healthcare system, which I fully support. Safeguards are already in place to ensure that the interests of the public and the NHS are always put first. The ICB chair would have the power to veto members of the board and there are robust requirements on ICBs to manage conflicts of interests.
I know that the Bill does not allow private sector providers to influence, or to make, decisions on spending, but it is welcome that the Government has committed to putting that beyond doubt. They will bring forward an amendment at the next stage of the Bill’s passage through Parliament to protect the independence of ICBs by preventing individuals with significant interests in private healthcare from sitting on them.
I know that ministerial colleagues will be working to ensure that any amendment is appropriately worded and does not have any unintended consequences. I look forward to seeing their proposed amendment in due course and can assure you that I will scrutinise its contents closely.
