HC Deb 28 January 1986 vol 90 cc787-8
11. Mr. Galley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on progress in the implementation of general management in the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Fowler

Implementation is progressing well. All regional and district general managers have been appointed and about two-thirds of the unit general managers are now in post. Overall, these new posts reflect a reasonable balance between those from within and outside the service and between disciplines within the service.

Mr. Galley

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that comprehensive reply. What measures of savings, service expansion and policy improvement will he be taking into account in assessing the success of general management? Will he also take into account the requirement that, whilst general management is applied firmly and flexibly, there needs to be adequate consultation with all Health Service professionals concerned?

Mr. Fowler

I endorse entirely what my hon. Friend said in the second part of his question. It is no part of the management process that it should in some way be stacked on the service without proper consultation. Savings have already been reported by health authorities. One region has made savings of £1.25 million a year from the restructuring.

Mrs. Dunwoody

Is the Minister aware that in many regions nursing teams and medical professionals are being replaced by the throw-outs from any industry that wants to get rid of its surplus executives at 50? Far from improving the management of the Health Service, the result is materially damaging the chances of good management for patients.

Mr. Fowler

I entirely reject what the hon. Lady has said. The Royal College of Nursing itself has accepted the principles of general management. It is right that it should have done so. We share its concern, however, that the principles should be implemented in a way that enhances patient care. To talk as the hon. Lady has done is nonsense.

Mr. Latham

Can my right hon. Friend confirm that there is no reason why nurses should not hold the post of district general manager?

Mr. Fowler

Absolutely, and the situation is that at the moment about 10 per cent. of unit general managers are nurses. I should like to see that percentage increased throughout the Health Service.