Patients 'At The Heart Of Health Service'

The Government today accepted the core recommendations of the report from the independent NHS Future Forum, the group of health experts, and made changes to put patients at the centre of the health service.

The changes will mean less bureaucracy and waste, a greater focus on quality and results for patients, and more freedom for doctors, nurses and the wider frontline.

Speaking at a London hospital, the Prime Minister David Cameron said: “The fundamentals of our plans – more control for patients, more power to doctors and nurses, and less bureaucracy in the NHS – are as strong today as they have ever been. But the detail of how we are going to make this all work has really changed as a direct result of this consultation.

“We have listened, we have learned, and we are improving our plans for the NHS. Ten weeks ago we paused our legislation. Today we show how we are improving it. We are taking people with us and it is in this spirit of unity that we are going to carry on listening and working together for the good of the NHS.”

The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “We all know how important the NHS is to the British people. It isn’t just a system or a service. The NHS says something about who we are: a nation that cares for its citizens when they need it, whatever their means. The NHS isn’t a machine. You can’t flick a switch and turn it on and off. It’s a living, breathing part of our lives. Reforming an institution like that takes time. We have to be careful and considered. It’s too important to get this wrong.

“Patients, doctors and nurses have spoken. We have listened. Now we are improving our plans for the NHS. Yes to patient choice. No to privatisation. Yes to giving nurses, hospital doctors and family doctors more say in your care. No to the free market dogma that can fragment the NHS. The right reforms at the right pace. Evolution, not revolution.”

Among the key changes announced today include: Wider involvement in clinical commissioning groups; Stronger safeguards against a market free-for-all; Additional safeguards against privatisation; Evolution, not revolution; Greater information and choice for patients; Breaking down barriers within and beyond the NHS; and Investing for the future of the NHS.

In order to ensure that Parliament has sufficient opportunity to scrutinise the Government's changes, relevant parts of the Health and Social Care Bill will be recommitted. Further details of this, and the amendments the Government will make to the Bill, will be set out shortly.

Today the Government also announced the independent NHS Future Forum will continue to lead on listening in the NHS, ensuring an effective communication channel with the NHS. Among other areas they will focus on education and training; patients’ rights and public health.

(BMcN)