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News Release 13th June 2003HEALTH MINISTER CHANGE TO AFFECT WEST MIDLANDS?Michael Fabricant today expressed concern that the departure of Alan Milburn as Health Minister may slow down much needed reforms in the NHS - particularly in the West Midlands. Michael Fabricant says: "Whatever differences I and my Conservative colleagues had on the detail of running the NHS, I was pleased that Alan Milburn recognised that the NHS could not continue as it is. It is the biggest employer in Europe and a behemoth. Despite all the hard work put in by doctors, nurses, and other health professionals, no amount of tax payers' money has succeeded in cutting the inefficiencies or waiting times. I hope that the new Health Minister, Dr John Reid, will not reverse the hesitant steps Alan Milburn took in reforming the NHS. "The West Midlands region has always received less money than elsewhere per head of population and there is a real need to boost our better hospitals as well as protect our weaker ones. Alan Milburn's plan to introduce free-standing and independent Foundation hospitals is bitterly opposed by his own Labour back-benchers. But it would have been a small start at tackling the problem. Unfortunately, he couldn't go far enough and only 3 or more star hospitals would be eligible for Foundation status. The sad state of affairs in our area is underscored by the fact that there are no 3 star hospitals in either Staffordshire or Shropshire", Michael adds. Meanwhile, in the House of Commons on Thursday 12th June, Michael Fabricant paid tribute to Alan Milburn. Speaking across the Chamber to the Leader of the House, Dr John Reid, shortly before he was made the new Health Minister, Michael said (from Hansard): Michael Fabricant (Lichfield): At a time when the national health service is building a new hospital in Lichfield that has fewer facilities than we currently enjoy, may I express my personal regret at the departure of the right hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) from his position as Secretary of State for Health and the reasons for his departure? Hon. Members on both sides of the House will recognise that he recognised that major structural change is needed in the NHS. May I ask that, at some time, a debate be held on Foundation hospitals and their future? Dr. Reid: On the last point, I can assure the hon. Gentleman that there will be time for that and I look forward to it. I thank him for his comments. They are courteous and in character. I agree entirely. It was with deep regret that I found out that my right hon. Friend the Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) decided to resign from Government. It is shocking in the short term, but I believe that in the long term it will be seen to be a correct judgment on his part. There are many reasons, had he given me them, that I would have argued ferociously against, but to choose his family over his future career does not cause me to argue against him. I thank the hon. Gentleman. Whatever difficulties remain, there remain great challenges in the health service. |
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