Amended NHS reforms
02/02/2012
The government has retreated further in its bid to secure agreement for its NHS reforms.
Last night health minister Earl Howe published 137 amendments to the health and social care bill, in a bid to quell further opposition to the government's embattled changes.
They address a number of issues - most notably including demands to clarify the ultimate responsibility of the secretary of state for the NHS.
The amendments also foster greater patient involvement, better arrangements for education and training, extra measures to tackle health inequalities and strengthened integration between NHS services.
Next week the bill will return to the floor of the Lords chamber for its report stage.


