"An Appointment with the Doctor" about

Private Members' Bills

Private Members' Bills are a means by which Independent members (such as myself) or Back Bench MPs from major parties have the chance to introduce their own legislation.
Even if unsuccessful, the government of the day has its attention brought to the subject matter and the 'temperature of the House' assessed on the issue.
This means that, in future, it is likely that other legislation on this topic is influenced.

The conditions and issues at Stafford Hospital - the "appalling" emergency care (according to the Healthcare Commission) - which resulted in 400 patients dying needlessly - were the prime motivator in my selecting a "whistle-blowers" charter as my preferred subject.

"I think this issue is absolutely vital. 
I tried to get included in the NHS constitution the duty on NHS staff to report items and instances of poor quality service and of dangerous practice.
As it is NOT a duty enshrined in legislation, people who raise these issues NEED HELP."

The 'Public Interest Disclosures Act (1998) needs supplementing with the support of independent officers.
Each NHS Trust should have an officer performing this function, who is capable of easy access.
New Zeeland is an instance of this format being in place .. and working.

My Bill will now be finalized and then printed and circulated for reading and discussion.

Then it goes before Parliament on 12th March.

© Independent Kidderminster Hospital & Health Concern 1995-2010
(webdesign@chaddesley-corbett.co.uk)