Clause 4 - Application by NHS trusts
Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill
3:45 pm
Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West, Labour/Co-operative)
I follow the logic of the hon. Gentleman's argument, and I concede that there is something in it. However, does he not recognise that when an essentially new concept is introduced—local involvement in the provision of health care—it is sensible to make that provision for the body that local people most readily understand, identify with and want to get involved with? If that were set up and working well, it would be much easier to make other elements of health service organisation and provision more democratic by using the first as an example and inspiration.
To put it simply, were I to ask people on the streets of West Bromwich whether they wanted to get involved in the running of the local Sandwell hospital, I could be quite sure of a favourable reply. However, if I were to ask people whether they wanted to get involved with the running of Oldbury and Smethwick PCT, I should be met only with blank looks. That approach tries to surmount that difficulty.