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/uk_politics/7641695.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
More single rooms in NHS - Tories More single rooms in NHS - Tories
(about 2 hours later)
The Conservatives are promising a large rise in the number of single rooms in NHS hospitals to help tackle infections and improve patient experiences.The Conservatives are promising a large rise in the number of single rooms in NHS hospitals to help tackle infections and improve patient experiences.
All expectant mothers will be offered a single room if they want one, as will patients on mental health wards, health spokesman Andrew Lansley has announced.All expectant mothers will be offered a single room if they want one, as will patients on mental health wards, health spokesman Andrew Lansley has announced.
The plan to create 45,000 extra single rooms by the end of the first term of a Tory government will cost about £1.5bn.The plan to create 45,000 extra single rooms by the end of the first term of a Tory government will cost about £1.5bn.
Opposition parties have said the Tories have no new ideas to improve the NHS.Opposition parties have said the Tories have no new ideas to improve the NHS.
'Patient dignity''Patient dignity'
In his speech to the Conservatives' annual conference in Birmingham, Mr Lansley said Labour had failed to meet targets on providing more single rooms in new hospitals and increasing single-sex accommodation across the NHS.In his speech to the Conservatives' annual conference in Birmingham, Mr Lansley said Labour had failed to meet targets on providing more single rooms in new hospitals and increasing single-sex accommodation across the NHS.
We hope that the proposals we are announcing will make a big difference in removing unnecessary stress for patients and their families Andrew Lansley, ConservativesWe hope that the proposals we are announcing will make a big difference in removing unnecessary stress for patients and their families Andrew Lansley, Conservatives
He added: "No-one should be forced to suffer the indignity of staying on a mixed sex ward."He added: "No-one should be forced to suffer the indignity of staying on a mixed sex ward."
Under the Tory plans, the number of rooms set aside for treating people with hospital-acquired infections will be increased by 7%.Under the Tory plans, the number of rooms set aside for treating people with hospital-acquired infections will be increased by 7%.
In a further guarantee, all patients admitted for planned care - excluding children - will have the option of having a single room.In a further guarantee, all patients admitted for planned care - excluding children - will have the option of having a single room.
The Tories estimate that about 93,200 single room beds will be needed, up from the 48,000 now available.The Tories estimate that about 93,200 single room beds will be needed, up from the 48,000 now available.
On the basis of recent and existing schemes to create single hospital rooms, the party believes the project will require annual expenditure of £314m over five years.On the basis of recent and existing schemes to create single hospital rooms, the party believes the project will require annual expenditure of £314m over five years.
"By giving NHS patients the choice of a single room when they book their operation, we will ensure that they will be treated with the dignity they deserve," Mr Lansley added."By giving NHS patients the choice of a single room when they book their operation, we will ensure that they will be treated with the dignity they deserve," Mr Lansley added.
"Any stay in a hospital is a traumatic and trying time. We hope that the proposals we are announcing will make a big difference in removing unnecessary stress for patients and their families.""Any stay in a hospital is a traumatic and trying time. We hope that the proposals we are announcing will make a big difference in removing unnecessary stress for patients and their families."
Political fightPolitical fight
The Tories are trying to gain political ground on the NHS, long regarded as a core Labour issue, by accusing the government of wasting billions of pounds on bureaucracy and letting patients down.The Tories are trying to gain political ground on the NHS, long regarded as a core Labour issue, by accusing the government of wasting billions of pounds on bureaucracy and letting patients down.
In his speech, Mr Lansley also outlined plans to give more choice to patients and more powers to health professionals.In his speech, Mr Lansley also outlined plans to give more choice to patients and more powers to health professionals.
Focusing on treatment outcomes rather than central targets would mean money was better spent.Focusing on treatment outcomes rather than central targets would mean money was better spent.
At a Tory conference fringe meeting on Sunday, frontbench spokesman Oliver Letwin said a free NHS remained a "treasured principle" but that patients should have more choice of providers within the health service.At a Tory conference fringe meeting on Sunday, frontbench spokesman Oliver Letwin said a free NHS remained a "treasured principle" but that patients should have more choice of providers within the health service.
Labour said it was already encouraging choice in the health service and accused the opposition of wanting to scrap key waiting time targets for consultation and treatment.Labour said it was already encouraging choice in the health service and accused the opposition of wanting to scrap key waiting time targets for consultation and treatment.
The Liberal Democrats said the Tories were offering "nothing new" and would make the NHS less accountable to those paying for it.The Liberal Democrats said the Tories were offering "nothing new" and would make the NHS less accountable to those paying for it.
The Royal College of Nursing welcomed the Tories' aim to cut nurses' paperwork and its pursuit of alternatives to mixed-sexed wards but said it would like to see more details of its "ambitious pledges".