All Independent providers articles – Page 54
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NewsNHS Confed trustees ‘misled’ over failed scheme
Financial risks and apparent conflicts of interest related to NHS Employers’ failed membership scheme were missed due to the perception it had an “unstoppable momentum”, a report leaked to HSJ reveals.
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CommentAndrew Jones on the rise of the health consumer
Writing an HSJ opinion column in the last week before the election, should I be defending the policy of Her Majesty’s opposition, claiming interest in my small contribution; should I be defending the interest of the independent sector, which pays my salary; or should I be defending the vested interests ...
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NewsNext government must quash preferred provider policy
The next government must scrap any notion of a “preferred provider” policy and ensure a level playing field for all potential service suppliers, according to a report from the NHS Confederation’s NHS Partners Network.
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NewsDrug firms lose battle over pricing
A government scheme encouraging doctors to prescribe low-cost medicines has overcome a legal challenge by pharmaceutical companies.
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NewsPCTs depend on commissioning support
The majority of primary care trust managers believe they cannot achieve top scores for their commissioning without outside help, according to research by the King’s Fund.
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NewsNHS procurement probe was halted by last minute DH phone call
An eleventh hour phone call from the Department of Health stopped the cooperation and competition panel’s investigations into a primary care trust’s procurement arrangements.
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CommentMark Britnell on keeping the wolf from the NHS door
The annual deficit in public expenditure is 13 per cent of GDP. This cannot continue, but what should the next government do? It will have three main levers: increase revenues; reduce spending commitments; and achieve more for less current spending.
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CommentPaul Corrigan and Bill Moyes on foundation trust autonomy
Five key changes must be fought for if autonomous foundation trusts are to flourish
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LeaderAlternative providers: a good idea is a good idea, whoever had it
After three years editing HSJ I am still struck by the NHS’s antediluvian attitudes to the private and voluntary sectors. It does not want this mirror held in front of it.
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NewsLib Dems unveil manifesto with pledge to cap managers' pay
The Liberal Democrats have unveiled their manifesto, pledging to protect frontline NHS services by slashing management budgets, scrapping strategic health authorities and capping managers’ pay.
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NewsLabour pledges personalised care revolution
Personalised healthcare tailored to the needs of individual patients is a centrepiece of Labour’s general election manifesto.
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CommentNorman Warner: face up to NHS efficiencies
There will be no money - and no rationale - for propping up failing NHS services, the former health minister warns
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NewsNHS innovation: can the health service drive new ideas?
The NHS has grown used to a pattern of crisis followed by review followed by reform - yet many fundamentals remain little changed. Will the past keep shaping the NHS of the future or will the service explore different paths, asks Nigel Edwards
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NewsNHS IT programme supplier misses major deadline
The deadline for a major milestone of the National IT Programme has been missed.
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NewsSwine flu vaccine deal agreed
The government has said it is cutting its swine flu vaccine deal with GlaxoSmithKline in a move that will see it pay two thirds of the original value - but receive just over a third of the doses.
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NewsDH refuses key deal on national IT programme
The Department of Health has refused to sign a new contract agreement for one of the most significant elements of the troubled national IT programme.
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NewsPreferred provider guidance leaves waters muddy
Both sides in the row over the NHS as “preferred provider” are claiming victory after the Department of Health published its procurement guide for primary care trusts.
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NewsThree shortlisted in race to run Hinchingbrooke
Three bidders have been shortlisted to win the franchise to run Hinchingbrooke Health Care Trust.
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NewsHow Labour saved the NHS from the brink
Nigel Crisp believes that when Labour inherited the NHS in 1997 it was ‘falling apart’. After four years away from the service the former chief executive reflects on the successes of the last 13 years - and the missed opportunities. By Alastair McLellan
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CommentAndrew Haldenby on hospital closures and competition
The gloom surrounding the UK’s public finances is darkening as the general election approaches.