New Health Minister Announced

I've just seen this press release, and for once I think that the government has actually got it right for a change. I feel a rosey glow coming over me, and I'm even starting to have benign non-violent thoughts about Ben Bradshaw.............

BANKER TO BE HEALTH MINISTER


Downing Street has confirmed that Sir Fred Goodwin, former Chief Executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland, is to join the Government as Minister of State for Health. He will receive a Life Peerage and will enjoy a full ministerial salary. Sir Fred is expected to be tasked with accelerating the privatisation of the NHS, and promoting total lay input into medical regulation.


Avril Singleton, a senior Press Officer for the Prime Minister said, “We value the commercial experience that Sir Fred can bring to the NHS at a time of necessary economic stimulation to combat the global downturn. We view NHS privatisation, especially of primary care, as a key part of our fiscal stimulus and wish to fully utilise Sir Fred’s talents in this respect.”

It is anticipated that Sir Fred will be asked to oversee further changes in medical regulation. The Prime Minister has reportedly asked him to bring about 100% lay membership of the General Medical Council’s governing body by 2013. The Downing Street Press Officer commented, “Sir Fred has built an extremely rewarding banking career upon having no relevant qualifications. We look forward to the same principle being rolled out to medical practice, as the modernisation of the former profession is advanced in the Age of Change.”

Ironically, Sir Fred will not have direct ministerial responsibility in his native Scotland as Health is a devolved area of government. The Scottish Government has resisted NHS privatisation to date. However, his responsibility for regulatory matters will carry influence in all of the UK countries.

Sir Fred was unavailable for comment but was reportedly looking forward to taking his seat in the House of Lords early next week. Downing Street refused to give further information about the date, citing security reasons.