HC Deb 22 November 2001 vol 375 c412W
Dr. Murrison

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the usefulness of the star rating system for hospital trusts; and if he will make a statement. [14042]

Mr. Hutton

Performance ratings for acute non-specialist national health service trusts were published on 25 September. This is the first time that hospital trusts have been publicly classified according to their performance, with more freedom and rewards for the best and more help for the poorest. This approach is a decisive break with the past.

In the trusts that were awarded no stars, action plans are being drawn up and implemented. These will improve the areas of significant under performance and bring them up to the standard the public and patients have the right to expect.