Foundation Trusts Concern, the growing alliance against the introduction of Foundation Trusts, today called for action not words from Secretary of State John Reid. The call comes in the wake of a parliamentary briefing chaired by Angela Eagle MP with key contributions from former Health Minister Frank Dobson and David Hinchliffe MP, chair of the Commons health and social services committee.
A joint statement from Foundation Trusts Concern said:
“We look to John Reid for action not words in relation to Foundation Trusts. As the new health secretary he has the opportunity and the responsibility to look at the whole issue afresh.
“We want proposals to create Foundation Trusts withdrawn and urgent and widespread consultation to take place.
“The Bill’s proposals on Foundation Trusts have not been tried or tested. The very least he could do is initiate a trial or pilot in a local area to see what the impact will be on patient care in the Trust and surrounding areas.”
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Signed up to date to the objectives of “Foundation Trusts Concern” are UNISON, GMB, the NHS Support Federation, the Society of Radiographers, the British Association of Occupational Therapists, the Association of Community Health Councils (England and Wales), the NHS Consultants Association, the Socialist Health Association and the Democratic Health Network.
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