The Government has set out further details of the improvements it will make to its plans to modernise the NHS and put patients at the heart of the health service.
This follows the core recommendations made in a report last week by the independent NHS Future Forum which confirmed that there was considerable support for the principles of reform but that some of the ways in which the Government was putting those principles into practice could be improved.
The Government’s response provides more details as to the substantial changes it will make to create a stronger NHS for the future:
• that’s led by frontline professionals
• where patients and the public have a stronger voice and more control
• where people’s health and social care needs aren’t treated separately
• where local councils have a real say over decisions in the NHS
• that’s focused on the causes of health problems as well as treating them
• that’s judged on the quality of care and results for patients it provides
Also outlined as part of the Government’s response are the new safeguards that will be introduced against price competition, privatisation and private companies ‘cherry-picking’ profitable NHS business.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “It was right that we took the time to pause, listen, reflect and improve our plans and I believe our proposals are now stronger thanks to this process.
“I have accepted the recommendations from the team of top health experts because they will improve care for patients. The last few weeks have shown broad agreement that there is an overwhelming case for a modernised NHS, and that the principles of putting patients at the centre, focusing on results and putting professionals in charge are the right ones.
“I believe the revised plans we set out today will both safeguard the future of our NHS, and ensure it is more efficient and more accountable, moving us closer to having a high-quality health service that puts patients at the heart of everything it does.”
