§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has issued or plans to issue to health authorities and trusts about improved productivity in the service.
§ Dr. MawhinneySpecific guidance on productivity is not issued by the Department. However, health authorities and national health service trusts are assisted in their efforts to improve productivity by the National Audit Office, the Audit Commission and the value for money unit of the NHS Management Executive, which report on key areas and make appropriate recommendations. The NHS reforms have also given an incentive to improve productivity as providers have to compete for contracts.