NHS reforms “hopelessly confused”

Andrew Lansley, the shadow health minister, has labelled the government’s NHS reform programme as “hopelessly confused”. Mr Lansley made the claims after it was revealed that a senior health minster, Jane Kennedy, was not sacked but rather resigned on grounds of conscience due to the impact of NHS reforms.

He said: “This shows Patricia Hewitt was unable to even secure the support of her own ministerial team. The Government’s NHS reform program is hopelessly confused.”

“The Department of Health needs new leadership and clear direction for reform. The Government has failed to make the necessary changes,” he added.

After her resignation, Ms Kennedy told the Observer: “I had been asked to do a job and bring political judgment to the job. When you try to apply that judgment and you are told you shouldn’t be expressing your opinions you realise the government needs to get somebody else.”

Earlier this week Liberal Democrats shadow health secretary said it was outrageous that the public “weren’t told the full truth” about NHS job cuts before they voted. He said: “The health secretary has kept her job whilst thousands of doctors and nurses are losing theirs. Many people will think this the wrong way round.”

The health secretary, Patricia Hewitt, kept her position amid a cabinet reshuffle that saw the departure of some high-profile ministers. Last week she attempted to explain why she thought the NHS had its “best year ever”, citing reduced waiting lists and the lack of a winter beds crises.

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