Current star rating system a sham and must be changed

12.08.54pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 10th Feb 2004

The current star rating system is little more than a sham with big changes needed in the system of grading hospitals, Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, said today.

Mr Burstow's comments are in response to reports that the Government is to announce a new NHS targets system today.

Paul Burstow MP said:

"The star-rating system places NHS staff in a straight jacket of Government targets. John Reid is moving in the right direction by changing the system.

"Patients want clear information about their hospitals but the information provided by the current system is little more than a sham. Big changes are needed.

"Instead of grading the NHS on delivering political 'must-dos', the NHS must have more freedom to set local targets and be locally accountable to people who use the services.

"Ministers must stop interfering and let doctors and nurses get on with the job of treating patients."

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