02.12.16
Hunt leaves door open for ‘new legislation’ to aid STPs
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt has not ruled out fresh legislation to support the development of STPs in the next Parliament, responding to a Q&A question after his keynote address at the NHS Providers conference this week.
During his keynote, Hunt addressed the “outstanding leaders” of the NHS and launched more initiatives to support staff development, such as ‘e-rostering’ to encourage flexible working and a new NHS MBA which clinicians will be able to study part-time.
Following his speech, Hunt was asked by a lawyer about the current issues facing STPs, including criticisms that they lack accountability and that the plans may need more support. In particular, the health secretary was quizzed on fresh legislation in respect of STPs. The lawyer also drew attention to the jurisdiction of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) which he said “adds complexity and expense to transaction processes”, such as trust mergers.
Hunt responded by saying that he recognised that the STPs, which aim to encourage co-operation across organisational boundaries including with local councils, are far more ambitious than the plans envisaged in the Health and Social Care Act 2012. However, he poured water on the idea of what he called ‘another top-down organisation’ until STPs have been explored further.
“I would be nervous about going through a big organisational change, including a legislative change, right at the moment because I think that would create a lot of concerns and I don’t think there is the appetite for that, despite the frustrations that you talk about,” Hunt replied.
However, he added: “I wouldn’t rule [legislation] out for the next Parliament.”
“Once the STPs have found their feet and we have a clearer understanding of what precisely the barriers are that we need to remove, we will then have a sensible discussion about how to give better support to STPs.”
STPs have been a controversial development in the NHS, particularly among frontline doctors and local councils who say that they have not been sufficiently consulted in plans so far.
This past week two Shropshire councils refused to endorse the region’s draft STP which they called “insufficiently developed”. Such issues led NHS Clinical Commissioners to launch a new governance and engagement checklist to guide CCG lay members and councillors last month.
(Image c. Neil Hall and PA Wire)
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