Written question asked by Nicholas Brown (Labour) on Thursday, 16 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 November 2003. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 November 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions he has had with the Commission for Health Improvement on the desirability of the Commission, when assessing the performance of hospital trusts, focusing on (a) outcome, (b) quality and (c) process.

Answer: Mr. Nicholas Brown:: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Commission for Health Improvement on the desirability of the Commission, when assessing the performance of hospital trusts, focusing on (a) outcome, (b) quality and (c) process. [133368] Mr. Hutton: The Commission for Health Improvement has already introduced new performance indicators which reflect increasingly the outcomes and quality of treatment patients receive, as well as good processes. The Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection will, subject to parliamentary approval, take over from April 2004 responsibility for performance ratings and, in consultation with the national health service and the Department of Health, develop the assessment process further.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 133368; 412 c594-5W;412 c602W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: NHS NHS trusts Standards Healthcare Commission Commission for Health Improvement
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk