Hospital star ratings face the axe
The government is said to be considering plans to drop the controversial star ratings used to measure hospital performance.
Reports this morning suggest that the system will be ditched within the next two years.
Critics argue that star ratings are open to political manipulation.
Former health secretary Alan Milburn was, for example, forced to deny claims that he influenced the rating awarded to a hospital in Tony Blair’s constituency.
According to The Times newspaper, which broke the story this morning, the negative impact of this incident was one of the reasons behind the decision to scrap the star ratings altogether.
Among other things star ratings are used to determine whether or not NHS trusts are eligible for foundation status – the controversial government scheme whereby hospitals can obtain more independence.
Ministers are said to be keen to continue devolving decision-making powers, which could see a number of government targets scrapped in favour of wider objectives.
