PM Accepts 'Core' Changes To NHS Reforms

The Prime Minister has confirmed significant "core" changes to the Government's NHS reform programme following a two-month listening exercise.

David Cameron said he accepts most of the changes to the controversial health service plans called for by independent experts.

Mr Cameron said: "We have listened, we have learned, and we are improving our plans for the NHS."

Key changes accepted by ministers include nurses and doctors being on the boards of new GPs groups responsible for commissioning healthcare services.

There will also be additional safeguards to stop private companies 'cherry-picking' the most profitable services and the regulator Monitor will focus on patients and not promote competition.

The 2013 deadline for the introduction of commissioning groups will also be dropped - they will only operate "when they are ready".

The review of the Health and Social Care Bill found "genuine and deep-seated concerns" about the plans.

Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley said he now wanted to take the reforms forward in a "spirit of unity" with NHS staff.

"The fundamentals of our plans - more control for patients, more power to doctors and nurses, and less bureaucracy - are as strong today as they have ever been," he told staff at Guy's Hospital in central London.

"But the detail of how we are going to make this all work has really changed as a direct result of this consultation.

"We have listened, we have learned, and we are improving our plans for the NHS. Ten weeks ago we paused our legislation. Today we show how we are improving."

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said the Government was saying "no" to the sort of "free market dogma that can fragment the NHS".

He added: "The NHS isn't a machine. You can't flick a switch and turn it on and off.

"It's a living, breathing part of our lives. Reforming an institution like that takes time. We have to be careful and considered. It's too important to get this wrong."

The Bill was "paused" amid a political and professional storm over moves to extend competition and hand control of a £60bn commissioning budget to GPs.

The NHS Future Forum, appointed to lead a "listening exercise", published its findings yesterday alongside a list of recommended amendments to the flagship policy.

A triumphant Mr Clegg told Liberal Democrat MPs and peers on Monday night the scale of the rethink meant the party's key demands had been "very, very handsomely met".

Dissent within Lib Dem ranks over the Bill had threatened to open up a dangerous split between the coalition partners.

Mr Clegg said the Bill - which had completed most of its passage through the Commons - would now go back to the committee stage so the MPs could consider the proposed changes in detail.