Experts To Unveil NHS Recommendations - Sky News

6:57am UK, Monday June 13, 2011

Experts are to unveil recommendations on the Government's plans for the NHS after Nick Clegg claimed victory for the Liberal Democrats in the spat over the reforms.

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The NHS Future Forum will publish its report setting out proposed amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill, which is currently on hold on its passage through Parliament.

The Bill has attracted widespread criticism from the medical profession and unions, particularly over its aim to increase competition between the NHS and private companies.

Last week, Prime Minister David Cameron outlined "real changes" to the reforms - pre-empting the content of today's report.

The NHS has become a symbol of British care and equality

Aides to the Prime Minister have insisted he was the driving force behind the policy rethink, but many Tory backbenchers are furious that Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has been "hung out to dry" to appease Lib Dems.

The Deputy Prime Minister will tell his party tonight he ensured their "voice was heard" and the new package is a "job well done".

Mr Clegg will say 11 of 13 demands made by the Lib Dems - including improving democratic accountability and preventing private firms 'cherry-picking' profitable services - have been secured.

Alternative solutions have been found to meet the remaining two concerns.
Last week, Mr Cameron set out key pledges to alter the Health and Social Care Bill to make it more palatable to MPs and campaigners.

Andrew Lansley has tried to guide through NHS reforms

He said hospital doctors and nurses would now be involved in commissioning care, as well as GPs.

The hospital regulator Monitor will also have a duty to promote co-operation between services, and competition will only be increased when it benefits patients and improves choice.

Groups of GPs known as consortia will take responsibility for commissioning when they are ready, not by April 2013 as Mr Lansley had planned.

New "clinical senates" are also to be established, made up of senior medical professionals to oversee local integration of NHS services.

Mr Clegg, Mr Cameron and Mr Lansley explain their positions

Mr Cameron said the Government had listened to concerns about the Bill during a recent "listening exercise", which saw more than 200 events held across the country.

The NHS Future Forum, chaired by Professor Steve Field, former head of the Royal College of GPs, will unveil its findings before the Government formally responds later this week.