Shadow health minister Simon Burns, who is MP for West Chelmsford, has slammed the government's proposals for foundation hospitals.
The plans are to go ahead following a close vote in the House of Commons and substantial opposition in the House of Lords.
Mr Burns said, "Although the original principle behind foundation hospitals is a good one, I voted against the government's legislation because the final proposals, as a result of the government's concessions to try to buy off reels, are a sham.
They do not introduce real, meaningful choice and freedoms which are required for foundation hospitals to work effectively.
"Furthermore, the proposed bill introduces absurd management structures which will hinder the effective working of the NHS, rather than improve it, set up a two tier hospital system and give some hospitals an unfair advantage over other hospitals in their access to money for capital projects."
Published Wednesday November 26, 2003
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