§ Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Commission for Health Improvement on the desirability of the Commission, when assessing the performance of hospital trusts, focusing on(a) outcome, (b) quality and (c) process. [133368]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Commission for Health Improvement has already introduced new performance indicators which reflect increasingly the outcomes and quality of treatment patients receive, as well as good processes. The Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection will, subject to parliamentary approval, take over from April 2004 responsibility for performance ratings and, in consultation with the national health service and the Department of Health, develop the assessment process further.
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Commission for Health Improvement concerning its commitment to reassess the way in which the Commission assesses the performance of hospital trusts. [133404]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) inherited and further developed a robust methodology for producing performance ratings. The Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection (CHAT), subject to parliamentary approval, will take over responsibility for the ratings from April 2004, and will consult the national health service and the Department of Health, to further develop the assessment process.