Department of Health: NHS reform puts communities in charge

The government continues to defend its controversial health and social care bill, with a spokesman for the department of health yesterday telling the BBC:

"Our plans will harness the expertise of local doctors and nurses, who know better than anyone what their patients need.

"The proposals promote health in partnership between the NHS and local communities and put local authorities in the driving seat alongside clinicians for improving the health of their communities.

"Improving integration between all health and care services is a crucial part of modernising the NHS."