The above link is to a "multi-page tif" file showing scanned images of two letters to Rob Marris MP from Ben Bradshaw, Minister of State at the Department of Health.
These letters were in response to enquiries from Mr Marris regarding a "cast-iron guarantee" and a written question, to which an incorrect answer was provided. (I have archived a copy of the original answer from Hansard, published here as it is stated that the official record is to be amended, and so this may perhaps be lost.)
Mr Marris provided me with this file and his consent to it being circulated.
(Update 13/9/08) -
file reformatted
For convenience I have presented the images of the two letters separately in pdf format.
1. Letter addressing the "cast-iron" guarantee in respect of NHS Direct and the outcome of the "data gathering exercise" - letter 1.
2. Letter providing a corrected version of the written answer - letter 2.
NHS Direct
This original written answer draws an important distinction between possible use of a three digit number by NHS Direct and use of a three digit number for access to NHS urgent care. The revised answer seeks to suggest that the DH does not know anything about this, as it "does not centrally hold information on the telephone numbers used by the NHS".
The letter about NHS Direct, not only confirms (as does the response including the cast-iron guarantee) that this is very much an issue for the Department of Health, but seeks to conflate these two separate telephone services. This disregards the fact that NHS Direct currently provides a non-urgent health advice service on 0845 4647, which (so far as we know) will need to remain whatever may happen with any new arrangements for access to urgent, non-emergency care.
The outcome of the
"data gathering" exercise
At the conclusion of the debate in which the exercise was announced, the Minister stated "Our common duty is to ensure that patients are not exploited and not ripped off, and that we create a system that is both fair and transparent."
To pretend that this duty is fulfilled by allowing patients to be ripped off if they choose or are unable to follow advice about how to use cheaper options that are the "best possible" for those who do not wish to pay more is unacceptable. It is also unacceptable for the willingness of patients to pay more for better NHS services to be exploited.
It may be "fair and transparent" for patients to pay more for better services in the private health sector, but the concept of fairness that applies to the NHS does not mean that those who pay more get a better service.
David Hickson
Tuesday, 09 September 2008