NHS 'vote-winning' report claim rubbished

The Government has rubbished claims that a key report on the future of the NHS is being published early over a possible snap election.

Greater access to GPs and tackling hospital infections such as MRSA are the main focus of the report by Lord Ara Darzi.

But, campaigners and opposition MPs have accused the Government of rushing it out before a possible General Election in November.

Asked whether the launch was being done as a "vote winner", Lord Darzi dismissed the idea, saying: "The answer to that is no.

"I started in July this year. The terms of reference were published and (there was a) very clear statement in the terms of reference that the interim report will be published in October ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

"I had this report ready on October 1. The launch is today because I am meeting 72 clinical leaders across the country who will be leading this review until June of next year."

He added: "The reason for the launch today is because I am launching it with my clinician colleagues and the staff who will be leading this review.

"That's what is unique about this review. It is done with staff in consultation with the public and the patients."

Lord Darzi's report says patients are to get better access to GPs and health centres at weekends and in the evenings.

Other measures approved by the Government include screening of MRSA for all elective and emergency admissions during the next three years, and the appointment of an advisory board of GPs, community nurses and other health and care professionals.

Another is to provide funding for the development and deployment of new medical technologies across the NHS.

Additionally, he announced the creation of a Health Innovation Council together with up to £100 million of funding to help the NHS develop and introduce new medical devices and diagnostic services.

Lord Darzi also announced he is to become the Champion of Innovation, with the aim of tackling slow uptake of new technologies in some areas.

And he will chair the new Health Innovation Council, which will include experts from the NHS, academia and industry.

Lord Darzi said he would give more concrete details about his plans in the spring.

Liberal Democrat health spokesman, Norman Lamb, said earlier: "Those working in the NHS will be sceptical of this latest report if it turns out to be nothing more than another political stunt ahead of a possible General Election.

"It has only been three months since Gordon Brown launched this review, promising to talk to those on the frontline in the health service. How much can he have listened while engineering all the talk about elections?"

And shadow health secretary, Andrew Lansley, said: "Gordon Brown talks about personalised care in the NHS but his plan to close a number of A&E and maternity services around the country will distance care from the patients who need it. This is hypocrisy gone mad."

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