HC Deb 27 March 2003 vol 402 cc407-8W
Dr. Evan Harris

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy that the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection should be able

information is now published quarterly. Figures for West Suffolk and Ipswich Hospitals are shown in the tables.

to alter the targets on which the star rating system is based. [102208]

Mr. Hutton

As the independent regulator of national health service performance, the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) are responsible for publication of NHS performance ratings. Ministers will continue to select key targets and the priority areas to be covered. CHI are responsible for leading the work to develop new indicators for use in the star rating system.

The Government's intention is that the new Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection which will be established next year subject to parliamentary approval, will continue in this role.