This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/7434728.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Firms 'to run failing NHS trusts' Firms 'to run failing NHS trusts'
(about 3 hours later)
Private firms could be drafted in to run struggling NHS hospitals and trusts in England under plans expected to be outlined by the government later.Private firms could be drafted in to run struggling NHS hospitals and trusts in England under plans expected to be outlined by the government later.
Executives from companies like Bupa or from better-performing NHS trusts could be used to replace existing bosses.Executives from companies like Bupa or from better-performing NHS trusts could be used to replace existing bosses.
Ministers say it is one of a range of options aimed at improving performance, but insist no NHS assets or staff would be transferred to private companies.Ministers say it is one of a range of options aimed at improving performance, but insist no NHS assets or staff would be transferred to private companies.
The British Medical Association said it had "grave concerns" about the plans.The British Medical Association said it had "grave concerns" about the plans.
'Different skills''Different skills'
In October the government is to publish new criteria for quality, safety and financial performance, which all NHS trusts in England will be expected to meet.In October the government is to publish new criteria for quality, safety and financial performance, which all NHS trusts in England will be expected to meet.
About 20 trusts are expected to be identified as falling short and to be given a deadline to turn things around. The government's suicide mission to alienate core supporters takes another leap with this effort to privatise the NHS Geoff MartinHealth EmergencyAbout 20 trusts are expected to be identified as falling short and to be given a deadline to turn things around. The government's suicide mission to alienate core supporters takes another leap with this effort to privatise the NHS Geoff MartinHealth Emergency
The Department of Health said although private firms would be allowed to provide management services at NHS trusts, front-line staff would remain NHS employees.The Department of Health said although private firms would be allowed to provide management services at NHS trusts, front-line staff would remain NHS employees.
Officials said it was not expected that "huge numbers" of NHS trusts would be affected.Officials said it was not expected that "huge numbers" of NHS trusts would be affected.
It is thought about 20 trusts labelled weak by a Healthcare Commission report last autumn could be identified as candidates.It is thought about 20 trusts labelled weak by a Healthcare Commission report last autumn could be identified as candidates.
'Fragmentation' fear'Fragmentation' fear
Health Minister Ben Bradshaw told Channel 4 News on Tuesday: "What we've never done before is to allow the private sector to take over the running of a whole hospital in the form of a franchise, which is one of the options that would be included in this performance regime.Health Minister Ben Bradshaw told Channel 4 News on Tuesday: "What we've never done before is to allow the private sector to take over the running of a whole hospital in the form of a franchise, which is one of the options that would be included in this performance regime.
"What we know from our experience of involvement in other parts of the health service is that the private sector can bring different skills - different management skills, different techniques.""What we know from our experience of involvement in other parts of the health service is that the private sector can bring different skills - different management skills, different techniques."
But the BMA warned the scheme amounted effectively to privatising parts of the NHS and could lead to "fragmentation" within the health service.But the BMA warned the scheme amounted effectively to privatising parts of the NHS and could lead to "fragmentation" within the health service.
And Geoff Martin, head of campaigns at Health Emergency, predicted there would be an "almighty row" over the plans.And Geoff Martin, head of campaigns at Health Emergency, predicted there would be an "almighty row" over the plans.
He added: "The government's suicide mission to alienate core supporters takes another leap with this effort to privatise the NHS on a scale that even Margaret Thatcher would have balked at."He added: "The government's suicide mission to alienate core supporters takes another leap with this effort to privatise the NHS on a scale that even Margaret Thatcher would have balked at."
It seems to me that this is treating a symptom, rather than actually getting to the source of the disease Nigel EdwardsNHS Confederation
Nigel Edwards, of the NHS Confederation, said the government had tried drafting in private sector management unsuccessfully before - at the Good Hope Hospital in the West Midlands.
"What it revealed is that the reason that hospitals tend to fail is often much more complicated and much more difficult than just poor managment."
Mr Edwards said a much more detailed analysis of why hospitals were failing was needed.
"It seems to me that this is treating a symptom, rather than actually getting to the source of the disease."
The private sector has already been given an important role in the NHS in England. The government spent heavily on privately-run hospitals and treatment centres to cut waiting times for operations, and private firms are now starting to get a foothold in general practice.