News item

Independent Provider Arm 'Nonsense'

The Chief Executive of the NHS, David Nicholson, has said that the idea of community providers becoming separate foundation trusts or social enterprises is ‘nonsense’.

Mr Nicholson who was speaking at the NHS medical directors conference last week, feels instead that the concept of “vertical integration” of community providers and acute trusts is more viable.

He went on to say that he felt in times of economic crisis it would be ‘nonsensical’ to create a new set of NHS organisations. He also said cost-saving improvements could often be made at the"interface" between providers and this was a case for integration, with acute or other providers.

To view the article in full click here. (HSJ 27 November 2009)

07/12/09