§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department has established a foundation trust consultative group. [76864]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 24 October 2002]: The Department has not established a foundation trust consultative group. However, the initial framework for policy on National Health Service foundation trusts was developed through consultation with the first cohort of three-star NHS trusts as part of a series of national events on earned autonomy. In addition, Departmental officials have been seeking views from a number of chief executives from several different NHS trusts, primary care trusts, strategic health authorities and from other sources. These discussions have provided an important sounding board for our proposals.
§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his formulation of foundation status for hospitals has involved consideration of a voucher system for patients or GPs. [79246]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 4 November 2002]: We have not considered any form of voucher system for patients or general practitioners in developing our proposals for the creation of National Health Service foundation trusts. NHS foundation trusts will provide free care for NHS patients according to NHS principles, based on clinical need and not ability to pay.
§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many three star trusts have indicated an interest in becoming foundation trusts. [79247]
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§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 4 November 2002]: Thirty-one of the acute National Health Service trusts that were awarded three stars in the previous NHS performance ratings announced in 2001 submitted expressions of interest in becoming NHS foundation trusts. We have not however asked for expressions of interest since publication of the new NHS performance ratings in July 2002.
§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to announce which 12 NHS trusts have been chosen to be foundation trusts. [79248]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 4 November 2002]: We expect to announce a list of trusts that have been successful in their applications to become first-wave National Health Service foundation trusts later next year.