Hospital star ratings must be scrapped

11.25.53am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 9th Feb 2004

The Government's star-rating system undermines staff morale, stifles innovation and must be scrapped, Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, said today.

Mr Burstow's comments are in response to reports today that the controversial system of star ratings, used to assess hospital performance, is to be abolished.

Paul Burstow MP said:

"The Government's star-rating system undermines staff morale, stifles innovation and must be scrapped.

"Government hints that it may scrap the system in two years will be cold comfort to hard pressed NHS staff.

"The star-rating system places NHS staff in a straight jacket of Government targets and tickboxes which place a premium on delivering national 'must-haves' at the expense of delivering on local needs."