§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware of the report on the Sydney Hospital, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will consider a similar report for selected hospitals in England and Wales.
§ Sir K. JosephI am aware of the work undertaken by management consultants in Sydney Hospital and other Australian hospitals. The firm concerned has had extensive discussions with Ministers and officers of my department.
Over a number of years we have gradually improved the management of our own hospitals. Hon. Members will be familiar, in particular, with the report of the Joint Working Party on the Organisation of Medical Work in Hospitals ("Cogwheel") and the Salmon Committee on Nursing Organisation which points the way to further improvements which are now being made.
My Department is preparing further proposals which will build upon previous successful policy and experience and also take into account work such as that completed in the Sydney Hospital and in the hospitals of other countries with which we maintain close liaison.