The NHS Confederation is calling for the strength of relationships between hospitals and their Primary Care Trusts to be used as a test of hospitals seeking Foundation status.The idea comes as the Confederation submits written evidence to the Health Select Committee’s inquiry into Foundation Trusts. It welcomes moves towards local ownership that the Government is trying to encourage through Foundation Trusts. But the Confederation is warning that Foundations will deliver more patient-centred care only if the proposals are accompanied by an equivalent investment and strengthening of Primary Care Trusts.

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Schools need to make the best possible use of technology to make ICT integral to children’s learning experiences according to the Schools Standards Minister, David Miliband.The importance of technology was one element of his strategy for teaching in the new century, outlined at the North of England Education Conference. In other areas he called on teachers not to stand in the way of reforms which would see a bigger role for teaching assistants. There is resistance to that from teaching unions but it has been welcomed by UNISON which represents a quarter of a million school staff.

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