Archives for April 28th, 2006

THE FALL AND RISE OF THE NHS

Features, PublicNet: 28 April, 2006

By David J Hunter This article was first published in Public Management and Policy and is reproduced by permission of the Association. http://www.cipfa.org.uk/pmpa/index.cfm The National Health Service is frequently in the headlines and this is largely because in the last 25 years it has undergone some 12 major re-organisations. The author highlights the twists and turns from moving to market forces through centralisation to decentralisation. He argues for a modified conception of public service in the 21st century and one that embraces notions of public participation through citizenship and a refreshed conception of professionalism which is best described as ‘responsible autonomy’.



HEALTH SECRETARY CALLS FOR MORE CUTS IN NHS SPENDING ON AGENCY STAFF

Headlines, PublicNet: 28 April, 2006

The Health Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, who has been roundly criticised for suggesting that the health service has had its best year in spite of the announcement of job losses at a number of NHS trusts, has highlighted recommendations from a report claiming that 78 million pounds could be saved by improving staff productivity and reducing the money spent on agency staff.She told the Human Resources in the NHS conference in Birmingham that most NHS resocurces were invested in staff and so using them as effectively as possible was crucial for patient care, staff satisfaction and financial efficiency. She quoted figures for potential savings included in a report from the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement.

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COMMISSIONER POINTS TO PETS TO SAFEGUARD PERSONAL INFORMATION

Headlines, PublicNet: 28 April, 2006

The Information Commissioner’s Office has issued new guidelines on PETs – privacy enhancing technologies – designed to protect personal information relating to the growing number of people using e-mail and the Internet to interact with public bodies and businesses.The traditional of view of PETs has been to regard them as software or other systems that allow individuals to withhold their identity when using electronic operating systems. Examples include anonymous web browsers, specialist email services, and digital cash systems. But the new ICO guidance says the systems include any technology that exists to protect or enhance an individual’s privacy. For example, the ICO says, a system that allowed a doctor to see all the details of a medical record but only allowed a receptionist to access contact and administrative information would be using a privacy enhancing approach.

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