Bottom Line is a Need for the Best Service

Areport contested by those whose performance it condemns sums up the difficulties and challenges faced by the NHS.

At issue is the quality of care provided to child patients in hospitals in England, which is a subject that makes dismal reading when it’s reported on by the Healthcare Commission.

It rates three-quarters of the country’s trusts as no better than fair or weak on the overall service provided for young people.

But this matter is not straightforward, for two North-East hospital trusts in the firing line appear to believe they ought not to be there.

And the commission’s findings also seem to feed a controversial Government agenda.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust says its bottom eight ranking is down to doctors who had still to complete their training when the commission came calling.

Now the training’s finished, the implication is, matters have improved greatly.

The County Durham and Darlington Hospitals NHS Trust, meanwhile, believes its equally poor performance does not reflect the experience of patients.

But just to make sure, its spokesman admits, the issues raised are being addressed.

The Healthcare Commission, it must be said, is not burdened with doubt about its findings, which have left it very concerned about the way children’s services are delivered.

However, it is interesting to note that its report appears to provide ammunition for the Government’s determined campaign to centralise services in large regional hospitals.

No one would argue against children being cared for safely and effectively, but where a quality service ought to be provided is a matter that provokes great division.

But whether it’s local or regional, the service ought to be the best. And that, the commission says, is not what’s being delivered now.

(c) 2007 The Journal – Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.