§ 60. Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health is she will undertake a review of the working of the various national health service trusts to gauge how far(a) money if following patients about the country, (b) trusts are being monitored by regional health authorities, (c) what influence such authorities are exerting on trusts and (d) what further regulations she expects to bring in on trusts' responsibilities; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe increased number of patients treated in 1991–92 (7.2 per cent. in all hospital/units, 8.2 per cent. in national health service trusts) and the successful elimination of two-year waits in all regions is clear evidence that the NHS reforms are working and that NHS trusts are leading the way in improving efficiency and patient care. Regional health authorities are responsible for overseeing health care in their regions, and can exert influence over trusts through district health authorities and their purchasing contracts. There is no reason to expand the existing regulatory framework for trusts.