HEALTH Secretary Patricia Hewitt rejected suggestions today that Sir Nigel Crisp was forced to quit as NHS chief executive by the Government amid mounting deficits.
And she insisted that she expected to be "judged" on her own success in restoring the health service to financial balance by 2008.
Sir Nigel announced he was stepping down yesterday, admitting that "not everything has gone well", sparking reports he had been pushed out.
Downing Street denied he was "carrying the can" for financial problems in the NHS, but the Tories said his "rushed" departure was a clear admission of a crisis.
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Asked if he jumped or was pushed, Ms Hewitt told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Neither.
"Sir Nigel has led the NHS with enormous distinction and delivered huge results like the lowest waiting lists ever for nearly six years.
"He made the judgment that at a point where we are something over halfway through a 10-year improvement plan, it made sense for him to retire now so that new leadership could be put in place, not just in the regions and locally, but nationally, to lead the NHS forward for the next four or five years."
Asked if she would resign if the problems were not resolved, she added: "I take responsibility for this and what I'm focusing on is making sure that we go on delivering the improvements in patient care, the 18-week maximum from GP referral to operation we have promised by the end of 2008, and of course I would be expected to be judged on my success, our success, in achieving that and in restoring the NHS to financial balance over the next financial year."
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A national disgrace,billions and billions of pounds wasted,Sir Nigel (useless) Crisp,yet another one of Tony's cronies who has his snout in the trough,he has failed,but what does he get for this incompetence,a Peerage and a whacking big public paid pension,when will the people of this counrty realise that this goverment is morally corrupt.Hewitt spouts off about her success,Rubbish,our hospitals are now closing wards to save money,we would'nt have to do that if it was managed properly with competent staff,not Tony's Cronies on the gravey train,Its time these MP's were made accountable to the people.The only thing that all MP's can agree on is giving themselves huge pay rises as they tell each other what a wonderful job they are doing,NOT.Dont hold any illusions that the Conservations or Lib Dems are any better,once in power they all do what they think is right for us not what we elected them to do,The nanny state,more like the Communist state,big brother always knows whats best for us,as we're not capable of making any decisions.Will the last person leaving this laughing stock of a country,turn off the lights.
Well said JG!
Nigel Crisp and the Goverment are a disgrace he is leaving the nhs with over 800 million pounds overspend! where is the accountability? What payout will he receive, there is supposed to be a stop to early retirement because of the pensions black hole.
couldn't agree anymore with the sentiments of JG.
matron hewitt dodging the flak is the only successful thing she has ever done.
I didnt vote for this sham of government. I dont pay tax anymore in the UK. I relocated my company to Hungary because it is easier and more productive to do business in Europe. Whilst you may think my comments have no baring on this particular story. The reason why I left is exactly because of the outrageous failure illustrated in this story!!!! Not just this, but the list goes on and on, education, transport, ecology, the Tax system etc, etc, etc. Its a joke and trust me, Britain is well behind the European Member States. Maybe I should not comment as I am not being a resident anymore, however, I am here because of the gross failings, appointed QUANGOs and Tonys Cronies running the asylum. Take control people, sort the mess out. Or leave like I did!
jsut read that trafford nhs trust have just closed two wards at altrincham general.
so matron hewitt and your supporters where is the success in this decision?.
hewitt and blair are presiding over the privatisation of the NHS, not bad for a party who sixty years ago set up the service, and now they are too busy flogging it off or closing it down. i suspect nye bevan is turning in his grave at these actions.
we the electorste must stand up and tell blair and co. that WE want a FREE NHS.
I have been a GP for nearly 20 years and am sick and tired of seeing money wasted on new political 'innovations' in the health service. Can Mr Blair/Patricia Hewitt tell us how much money has been wasted by his government alone in the constant cycle of restructuring and reorganisation of the health service?Reform follows reform with no pause for a proper strategic assessment. Remember, yesterday's failed DTI minister is today's health secretary who has to please a macroscopic abstraction-the electorate-while as a clinician we have to satisfy concrete individuals presenting with serious illness. In a politically led NHS the politicians and their advisors seem puerile and often dangerously disruptive and distracting. After eight years of this administration the health inequalities remain much too stark - across the social class and income groups, between different parts of the country and within communities.The unprecedented marketisation,privatisation and commercialisation are destroying the NHS.