The pressure for major changes to health legislation is being stepped up by doctors leaders following the announcement by the Government that there will be a “pause” for further consultation about the Health and Social Care reform bill.
BMA council chairman Hamish Meldrum welcomed the recent announcement by health secretary Andrew Lansley of fresh engagement with the health professions. However, he warned Mr Lansley that he must be prepared to make real changes to the Bill and “not just tinker at the edges”. Dr Meldrum said: “The BMA, other health unions, royal colleges, patients’ groups and countless experts have already made their views clear. The Government cannot have failed to have heard the voices expressing serious concerns about so many aspects of the Bill plans, particularly the pace and scale of the changes, the role of Monitor in enforcing competition and the plans for education and training.” The BMA intends to renew its drive for major amendments to the Bill, focusing on areas such as the independence of the NHS Commissioning Board and its role in relation to Consortia, the future of public health and the push for Foundation Trust status for all Trusts.
