07/06/2011

Cameron Sets Out NHS Reforms

Following criticism from health service professionals, the Prime Minister has set out "real changes" to controversial plans for England's NHS reforms.

To "support integration" of services, hospital doctors and nurses will be involved in care commissioning, along with GPs, and regulators.

The new plans follow a consultation whose findings are due out next week.

Labour leader Ed Miliband said the changes would divert money from patient care and described the plans as "botched".

Proposed changes include: Doctors and nurses being involved in new consortia planning and buying care, not just Gps; New "clinical senates" will oversee integration of NHS services across local areas; and Regulatory body, Monitor, will have a duty to promote integration of care across an area.

David Cameron said the planned reforms would give GPs more commissioning powers, increase competition in the NHS and abolish primary care trusts.

(BMcN/GK)

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