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Next steps for NHS reform

  • Last modified date:
    11 February 2011

The Government has set out the next steps in its plan to reform the NHS with the publication of ‘Liberating the NHS: Legislative Framework and Next Steps’, which sets out the policy for reform in detail.

It shows how the Government has developed its thinking in the light of the 6,000 responses to the White Paper, ‘Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS’, and sets out a timetable for implementation.

The response to the consultation demonstrated support for the principles set out in the White Paper. The feedback has been carefully considered and the Government has decided on changes including:

  • commissioning of maternity services will now sit with GP consortia
  • councils’ formal scrutiny powers will be extended to cover all NHS-funded services, and local authorities will have greater freedom in how these are exercised.

'Thanks to some 6,000 responses, we are setting out with clarity and direction why and how we need to deliver long-lasting reform in the NHS.'

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: ‘We have listened extensively to all views about our health reforms. And now, with thanks to some 6,000 responses, we are setting out with clarity and direction why and how we need to deliver long-lasting reform in the NHS.

‘We are already encouraged by activity taking place at a grass-roots level, with 52 GP pathfinder groups already in place and many more soon to follow. We also expect similar shadow forms of Health and Well-being Boards to emerge.’

An NHS Bill will be introduced in the new year. 

PCT Allocations and NHS Operating Framework

Also published today are the PCT Allocations and NHS Operating Framework for 2011/12. This package together sets what the NHS must do next year in order to secure a patient-centred, outcome-focused service.

The Operating Framework outlines what NHS organisations must focus on to prepare for a year of transition. This includes:

  • the need to continue to improve performance, for example on waiting times
  • Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) streamlined into clusters, working with GP practices and emerging GP consortia on commissioning as well as reducing running costs
  • the role of the NHS Commissioning Board, which will operate in shadow form from next year to ensure an efficient and effective transition.

The Operating Framework also asks the NHS to prioritise the implementation of earlier diagnosis for cancer patients, potentially saving thousands of lives.

Today’s announcements are backed by £89 billion of funding for PCTs to spend next year on commissioning services for patients – a 3 per cent increase on 2010/11. For the first time, this will include money to support social care.

NHS Chief Executive Sir David Nicholson said:

‘The coming year will demand much from the NHS. The challenge for us is to maintain and improve quality, keep strong financial control and create a new system that improves outcomes for patients. The Operating Framework sets out priorities for the NHS that will support and enable organisations to remain focused on their core purpose of delivering improved quality for patients while creating real energy and momentum for change.'

The Command Paper 'Liberating the NHS: Legislative Framework and Next Steps', the PCT Allocations and the Operating Framework can be downloaded from the links below.

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