The Health Service - do we need an independent monitor?

Rrecently we have had detailed something of the failures in Kent hospitals, - where patient relatives had been complaining of the conditions for several months, if not years. Earlier this month a retired professor was in hospital at Bodwelwyddan for one week. She left earlier than medical staff thought desirable because of the state of toilets and showers, and subsequently wrote and circulated a report which eventually reached the national media. The chief executive said "The trust is continually monitoring cleanliness and is not complacent about infection control."

There may be monitoring, there and in Kent, but when do the results reach anyone able to crack a whip? Mr. Johnson, at the top of the pyramid seemingly doesn't know what is going on until the final report of an enquiry. Well, he is new.....

The Observer on Sunday in its News Briefing contained an item by Denis Campbell. He reports on a survey finding by "Which", the consumer organisation. It seems that of the people who have a bad experience of the NHS, only about one in six actually complains formally. Of the 83% who do not complain, 57 % didn't bother because they thought no difference would result, and 32% because they were concerned that future care could be affected. Of those who did complain, 27% were satisfied with the outcome and only 15% pleased with the result.

We have been fed a diet of self-congratulation by the Government, and especially the reduction in waiting times. In fairness to them, waiting times do seem to be shorter, but we discovered early on that figures for first appointment could be manipulated in various ways. In my own case, I was offered an appointment at about 48 hours notice, which I could not accept. I then had to wait a further three years.

It is surely time that we had independent monitoring, and a monitor with teeth which is able to expose what might otherwise be covered up. We live with a politicised health service, and one which for most people is a monopolistic supplier. We need either or both of two things - ability of patients to vote with their feet by shunning indifferent service, and the presence of a powerful independent watchdog.