Health debate causes concern for managers - 29 June 2004

The FDA, the union for senior managers in the Health Service, has today highlighted concern from top NHS managers arising from the pre-election posturing of the main political parties.

Paul Whiteman, leading on health for the FDA, said: "The debate so far is rich on rhetoric but seems to have paid scant regard to the detail of delivery. As it is, managers and clinical staff are struggling to implement a whole raft of changes."

While not wishing to enter into the political fray surrounding patient choice, he added: "If patient choice is to be extended, then delivery will only meet expectation if managers are given the room to accommodate political will, and that political will has to be achievable." "All too often we have seen managers attempting to implement unworkable plans to unrealistic deadlines. This results in the loss of talent to the NHS, real harm to individuals and limited progress as far as patients are concerned."

Notes for editors
1. The FDA represents 1,100 chief executives and directors in the NHS.
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