Political interference in hospitals claimed

?Midlands hospitals and health trusts can face political interference in the day to day running of the health service a public inquiry into Stafford Hospital heard.

Professor Christopher Newdick, an NHS structure expert, told the inquiry into care of patients at Stafford Hospital that health chiefs may often face pressure from above.

Stafford campaigners suspected pressure was applied at a hospital where standards were found to be appalling.

Between 400 and 1,200 people are believed to have died there due to poor care.

Professor Newdick, giving evidence yesterday on how the NHS was supervised and where decisions were made, said ministers interfered in its day to day running.

He told inquiry chairman, Robert Francis QC, that there was widespread anecdotal evidence of incidents where the Department for Health and the Health Secretary got involved — which attracted negative publicity.

Interference often came during what were described by some NHS managers as "P45 issues." He said pressure was applied to get hospitals, and particularly Primary Care Trusts, to reconsider decisions and, in some cases, reach a different conclusion.

He said ex-Labour health secretary Patricia Hewitt insisted Stoke North PCT reconsider a decision on a drug which had yet to be licensed but had widespread publicity.

Within a day of her involvement the PCT reversed its decision. Professor Newdick said: "Hostile newspaper headlines may prompt forthright telephone calls from the Department of Health, with instructions as to how a local matter should be resolved.

"So although in legal theory priority setting is a responsibility delegated to PCTs, the realities of political life mean that the centre may still influence local decision-making. I am speaking really in terms of anecdote, but it's not just isolated anecdote but it's not reported either."

Dr Judith Smith said her research and development work with NHS managers suggested they experience pressure from above.