Anyone know anything about this?
----- Original Message -----
From: Sally Ruane <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, January 29, 2001 11:33 AM
Subject: independent scrutiny of the NHS
> Did anyone notice the item in yesterday's Observer about the Scretary of
> State (allegedly) planning to make independent scrutiny of the NHS a
> criminal offence? The article says the plan is to focus on 'official'
> studies and any group or individual trying to produce an independent
report
> will be subject to heavy fines (£5,000ish).
> Milburn, interviewed on the Today Programme this morning, said it was a
load
> of 'rubbish' and that the relevant clause (Clause 59 is the one mentioned
in
> the paper) was about protecting confidential patient data.
> Yesterday's Observer article, however, said the Secretary of State wants
to
> disclose patient records to third parties even when the patient and the
> doctor object. Furthermore, the articles goes on, studies into deaths
> arising from hospital infections will be banned and the government will
have
> the power to control the publication of other reports.
>
> This sounds not only extraordinary but also very worrying. I think, if the
> article is right, we should try to stop it.
>
> I've tried getting through to Quarry House but I've got stuck in the
> telephone queue for the relevant department.
>
> (1) Does anyone have any info on this which could clarify matters?
> (2) If there is a move to control academic freedom and accountability as
> suggested, what should we do?
>
> Sally Ruane
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