Inside a zero-rated hospital: We're ruled by control freaks

WE in the BMA are sceptical about the star rating system. It is a gimmick which puts enormous pressure on managers and demoralises staff.

We have a pressure cooker atmosphere in our hospitals which is unstable and unhealthy.

We expect to be held to account but it is ridiculous to keep tweaking the tail of staff who are working at full stretch. It is all part of Government control freakery.

It takes time to develop new services. We do not believe in overnight transformations, for better or for worse.

Star ratings make it all the more difficult to recruit quality management, who instead may opt for better-paid jobs in other sectors.

As for the NHS foot soldiers, the junior doctors and nurses, there's no question that a low star rating is demoralising.

Consultants and senior doctors tend to be more cynical. But the responsibility falls on them to support and re-inspire junior staff.

-Dr Goodman is deputy chairman of the BMA Consultants Committee

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