News

The Department of Health is considering introducing a ratings system for social care organisations based on the NHS "traffic light" system.

Under the NHS initiative announced by health minister Alan Milburn in June 2000, health authorities and trusts will be classified, depending on their performance, as green, amber or red.

"Green" health organisations will be entitled to greater local freedom to manage for themselves, having shown consistent achievement of key national standards. Poorly performing "red" health organisations will receive expert advice and support and, where necessary, intervention to help front-line staff redesign services.

A DoH spokesperson said the traffic light system was "an option being considered for social care". An announcement is expected in due course.