Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill
4:00 pm
Mr Stephen Pound (Ealing North, Labour)
I think that we all know what this one stands for. We are here today to talk about what it does. I think that it should be called ''Che'', out of respect for the former distinguished doctor and revolutionary.
Under clauses 52 and 53, CHAI is required to take into account national standards when assessing the health care provided by all NHS bodies, excluding foundation trusts. I appreciate that we have been slightly overtaken here. Under clause 46(2), CHAI must take account of those standards when undertaking annual reviews of NHS foundation trusts. In my humble opinion it would be appropriate for all other reviews and investigations of foundation trusts to include a reference to the same national standards. This modest and humble amendment would simply impose a level playing field for assessing the performance of foundation trusts and NHS bodies.
Amendment No. 481 has been superseded by Government amendment No. 283. It would leave out the phrase ''other than'' and insert ''including'' in clause 49(1). The Government amendment would leave out the phrase
''other than NHS foundation trusts''.
I could explain the reasons for this to the Committee but, judging by the look of agony that has just passed across the normally rather distinguished features of the hon. Member for West Chelmsford (Mr. Burns), it would be superfluous. I simply say that I greatly respect the Government's actions in tabling amendment No. 281. It makes my amendment, if not me personally, wholly redundant.