<< back

latest health care news

05.11.13

Select Committee takes final evidence from Sir David Nicholson

Sir David Nicholson is due to give evidence to MPs this afternoon for the final time before his retirement. The Health Select Committee is investigating public expenditure on health and social care, and will also be hearing from NHS England’s chief financial officer Paul Baumann.

The committee will be looking at progress towards the Nicholson Challenge, which requires the NHS to achieve 4% year-on-year efficiency gains. They will be examining how far the NHS is succeeding to make savings rather than cuts, the effectiveness of mechanisms by which resources are distributed throughout the NHS, and progress on the integration of health and social care.

Sir David is to give evidence from 2pm, and you can watch live at: www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=14120

Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]

Image c. NHS Employers

Print Email Share Comment

Comments

George C.A. Talbot 12/11/2013 at 00:34

I opposed privatisation of the public utilities most of which are natural monopolies and in 2011 found that cooperation was better for community healthcare than competition and that the NHS gave good service from modest funding. I spent much of my spare time challenging the H&SC Bill. I have watched the video and tried to understand the efficiency changes. But I note that in response to questioning by Sara about vertical integration, 1:08:13-1:10:55, Sir David said the policy is really clear. Competition is a tool commissioners can use to improve services for patients when they wish but this is not happening in practice. Taken in context, Sir David means demands for competition are preventing important policies being implemented. I have heard this claim about competition from politicians but this was not the burden of the Bill. Nor must you be a lawyer to know this: Just read experts in healthcare who have read it or the opinions of lawyers. 38 Degrees hired one specially. The Bill was intended to privatise the NHS and to introduce competition. These aims have been maintained despite widespread and sustained opposition. I cannot believe Sir David does not know this!

Add your comment

Your email (we will not display this):

Your name (This is displayed with your message):

Your comment:

Security Check:

Add Comment

Print Email Share Comment

national health executive tv

last word

Haseeb Ahmad: ‘We all have a role to play in getting innovations quicker’

Haseeb Ahmad, president of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), sits down with National Health Executive as part of our Last Word Q&A series. Would you talk us throu more > more last word articles >