National Policy Forum - Your Southeast CLP representatives

Health Policy Commission - work programme 2007

February 2007
Cabinet working group - Patricia Hewitt to report to the commission on the big challenges being considered by the Public Service Reform cabinet working group.
NHS reforms - where are the reforms leading to, what's the master plan and how do we communicate this message to our supporters and the wider public? The commission will also consider the different criteria we should use to establish the extent and balance of diverse providers in the NHS. Patricia Hewitt and Andy Burnham to lead the discussion.

March 2007 - Value for money
NHS funding is at record levels and yet we see some NHS Trusts struggling to reform the way they work and ensure improved standards for patients. Our investment in the NHS will be undermined if people do not believe the money is being put to good use. How do we ensure value for taxpayers money and improving standards in the NHS? - Andy Burnham and Kevin Barron MP chair of the Health Select Committee.

May/June 2007 - Drafting 2nd year policy consultation document
The commission will consider and agree a draft second year policy consultation document ahead of the National Policy Forum in July. Commission members will reflect on submissions received and representations to the health policy commission when drafting the document.

Summer 2007 - NPF
Meeting of the National Policy Forum to agree second year policy consultation document. As with previous years NPF members will consider the health document in breakout sessions.

September 2007 - Annual Conference
Health policy seminar at Annual Conference - all commission members and health ministers will be invited to attend the health policy seminar.

October 2007 - Health inequalities
What can the Labour government do to ensure the NHS meets the needs of the poorest in society and narrows health inequalities? The first year consultation document mentions government action to address the shortage of GPs in our most deprived area. How do we build on this basic infrastructure and provide services which reach out to those not currently accessing the NHS. Caroline Flint to lead plus invited speaker.

November 2007 - NHS accountability
How do we ensure accountability to patients? How do you improve management practices and ensure local people know who to address grievances to? Our improvements to the NHS are designed to put control into the hands of patients. The commission will consider the impact of Labour's reforms and what more can be done to ensure patients remain at the heart of the NHS. Rosie Winterton MP and invited speaker representing patients group.