§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how the appointment of new managers to failing hospitals will be decided; what system of assessment was used to rate those hospitals with a no star rating; and if he will make a statement. [46029]
§ Ms BlearsTwelve national health service trusts were categorised as zero-star rated. The system of rating used to assess their performance in 2000–01 was published in September 2001. The 12 trusts are required to provide action plans setting out how they are going to achieve the level of performance improvement required. Each of 233W the action plans were assessed by the Department at the end of 2001 together with the level of performance improvement achieved by each of the trusts since the ratings were published. Where appropriate the Department additionally used the progress reports provided by the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI).
Following the assessment it was decided that five of the trusts should be made subject to franchise arrangements. The performance of the remaining seven trusts is being closely monitored to ensure that their action plans are successfully delivered. Support will continue to be provided, where required, by the Modernisation Agency.
The process to appoint new managers under franchising arrangements is underway. Candidates have been invited to apply if they are experienced national health service managers with a good track record for delivery. They are being shortlisted for specific national health service trusts, taking into account their expressed preferences and individual skills. Shortlisted candidates are being given a month to draw up a franchise plan.
A register of interest from non-national health service bodies will be in place by the summer so that future franchises can draw on a wider pool of expertise and experience.