§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his policy towards the advancement of mutual solutions to allow further decentralisation of decision-making and operations within the NHS. [39387]
§ Mr. HuttonA structural and cultural reform of the national health service is currently taking place with the aim of shifting the balance of power towards frontline organisations, and within organisations to patients and staff. From 1 April 2002, primary care trusts, local organisations run by clinicians and local people, are responsible for improving health, securing services and integrating health and social care locally. By 2004, these organisations will receive 75 per cent. of the NHS budget to enable them to do so effectively, which constitutes considerable devolution in the running of the NHS. As778W responsibility is devolved to the frontline, the Department will develop new ways of working and step back from operational issues.
A package of earned autonomy freedoms and the potential to achieve foundation status will also become available for the best performing primary care and NHS trusts. This will be another way in which the Government devolves decision-making and operational management in the NHS.