HC Deb 17 September 2003 vol 410 c836W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to support NHS managers in improving performance following the recent Audit Commission reports into acute hospitals. [127729]

Mr. Hutton

The Government have a range of measures in place to support national health service managers in improving performancewe have invested significant additional resources in the five-year period 2003–04 to 2007–08. Over this period the average real terms increase will be 7.4 per cent. a year over and above inflation; we have set up the NHS Modernisation Agency to support NHS organisations and their front-line staff to improve services for patients; and we have put in place a range of recruitment and retention initiatives.

For the first time, health communities have developed comprehensive local programmes with action across health partnerships to improve health, tackle inequalities and modernise NHS. Alongside the significant increase in funding, these will help the NHS and social services plan for the future with confidence.

Further details of the Government's support to the NHS in improving performance are detailed in my letter to the hon. Member, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.