§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the annual performance rating system for NHS trusts(a) is independent from the Government and (b) takes into account hospital specialisation; and if he will make a statement. [102175]
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§ Mr. HuttonThe Commission for Health Improvement is the independent regulator of national health service performance and is responsible for developing indicators and publishing NHS performance ratings. Ministers continue to select key targets and the priority areas to be covered. In July 2002, specialist NHS trusts received their first performance rating based on performance during 2001–02.