No 'political dabbling' in NHS

The daily running of the NHS should be removed from national politics to guarantee its long-term future, doctors' leaders have recommended.Outlining an alternative approach to health reform, the British Medical Association (BMA) has suggested that a written constitution overseen by an independent board of governors is the way to progress.The constitution would keep the core values of the NHS while incorporating new ones such as a commitment to supporting education and research. It would also include a charter explaining what the public can expect from the NHS.The plans are part of a set of 24 recommendations laid out in a discussion paper entitled "A Rational Way Forward for the NHS in England" launched by the BMA.James Johnson, chair of the BMA Council, said the paper had arisen because of the medical community's current dissatisfaction at reforms. He also said that there were concerns about "political dabbling in the day-to-day running of the service".Mr Johnson said: "It is absolutely right the politicians set the actual guidelines but day-to-day dabbling when a particular topic becomes headlines is not good for the service."He continued: "It can't be good for the Secretary of State to have to react to every local problem that occurs. That can't be the best use of senior Cabinet ministers' time."We think the way forward is for the service to be vested in a board of governors. The Government would set the amount of money and the general direction of travel for the NHS but for them to do this without them then having any further interference."Mr Johnson said the board of governors would be chosen by the government to oversee the day-to-day running of the service. They would be accountable to Parliament and responsible for ensuring compliance with the constitution.© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

ITN | May 8, 2007

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