Written evidence submitted by Dr Christopher Tredgold (HSC0551)

White Paper on introduction of Integrated Care Systems

I am responding as a member of the public.

I am not responding on behalf of an organization

Integrating Care expresses the wish to develop the NHS in the same way as the response to  Covid-19. Yet we have one of the highest death rates in the world.

More than 120,000 have died in the UK with Covid mentioned on the death certificate.

Billions of  pounds have been awarded in contracts, many without procurement, some to firms with limited experience.

“NHS” Track and Trace has failed under Serco.

‘Integrating Care’ uses the same themes in the Health Systems Support Framework, under which 83 companies are accredited by NHSE to support the development of Integrated Care Systems.  The  White Paper also contains references to unspecified ‘others’ to be involved, who could even sit on the Board.

I think the proposals will further involve these companies in the management of a redesigned NHS.

The proposal to exempt the NHS from the Public Contracts Regulations will mean that the track records of bidders will not be considered.

I fear Contracts awarded without competition will become the norm.

I fear, too, that there will be an increasing lack of accountability and democratic oversight.

The private sector has failed over Covid.

These plans will worsen the fragmentation of of the NHS.

We need real integration.

We need to repeal the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and to end the competitive market

March 2021