The disappointment for many has
been the political issues rather than
rapid improvement of patient care.
Those professionals who perceive their
own units under threat have lobbied
patients, politicians the media and the
public to serve their own needs. Much
of this is fuelled with misinformation,
misconceptions and occasionally
untruths. Indeed, CIG has had to cope
with parliamentary questions and a
parliamentary debate.
Serious consideration needs to be
given to the political abuse of health
services. Most healthcare plans cannot
be turned around in the term of a
parliament and it is doubtful that any
politician could have a firm grasp of the
problems and difficulties that now lie in
an organisation as complex and large
as the NHS. Some form of apolitical
executive board with significant powers
is now needed if well thought out
rational plans for change in direction of
care are to be implemented. This board,
like the Bank of England, would not
be subject to political interference. If
properly constructed, with appropriate
representation from Universities, the
Royal Colleges, the Academy ofMedical
Sciences, the lay population, other carers
and users, such a board would be able
to act independently without political