NHS should be decentralised, say Lib Dems

Empower local health facilities and force drunks to pay for treatment, the Lib Dems say.

Friday, 14, Sep 2007 12:00

The Liberal Democrats have unveiled proposals outlining a decentralised NHS today ahead of their party conference in Brighton next week.

The party's health spokesman Norman Lamb said there was a "democratic deficit" in the NHS. He argued Local Health Boards should be created to put people in charge of decisions about their regional health services.

Under the proposals, the public would also have access to a "patient adviser" - operating from GP surgeries - who would provide guidance on the full range of health and support services available.

The recommendations also emphasise the need for a “patient contract” which would state maximum waiting times and include rights to redress and out of hours care.

Commenting on the report, Mr Lamb said it was "crucial to recognise that not every area has the same priorities", adding "too many decisions" were made by central government.

He argued: "Protests against hospital closures and cuts to services, up and down the country, show that local people do not feel their voices are being heard.

"The key is creating real accountability to local communities, where they have the power to make decisions on how money is spent on their NHS.

“Patients would be genuinely empowered to take control of their own healthcare through better information and a 'patient contract'."

The paper follows a media briefing yesterday when the MP for North Norfolk said drunks who stagger into A&E for treatment, should be forced to pay.

Mr Lamb said taxpayers should not have to cover the cost, saying people who turn up for treatment under the influence and are "foul and abusive to staff", should be charged for treatment.