NHS Future Forum: Reform is needed

Professor Steve Field, NHS Future Forum chairman and a practicing GP, calls for the government to accept proposals for changes to the health and social care bill:

"There is no doubt that the NHS needs to change. The principles underlying the bill – devolving control to clinicians, giving patients real choices and control, and focusing on outcomes – are well supported.

"However, during our listening we heard genuine and deep-seated concerns from NHS staff, patients and the public that must be addressed if the reforms are to be progressed.

"If the substantial changes we propose are accepted by Government, then I think the resulting framework will place the NHS in a strong position to meet this objective and tackle the pressing challenges in the years ahead."