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Hospital Trusts (Essex)

I agree with the Chairman of the Health Committee that patient satisfaction is an important part of quality, but it is only a part of quality. It needs to be set against clinical safety standards and, of course, clinical effectiveness; it is crucial that the broadest possible view is taken of quality in the NHS, and that was the conclusion of Lord Darzi's next stage review. I assure the Chairman of the Health Committee that as we develop plans for the NHS in the coming period, we will seek to embed the conclusions of that review in the payments structures of the NHS, so that there is a relentless focus on quality and safety in every NHS organisation.