NHS reforms

Monday, 31 January 2011 00:00

Plans to shake up the NHS are attracting controversy as MPs debate the proposals for the first time.

The health and social care bill receives its second reading in the Commons today, triggering the latest wave of opposition from unions and healthcare professionals over the plans.

Ministers want to create a market dynamic within the NHS by handing responsibility for £80 billion of its budget to consortia of GPs.

Allowing GPs to make funding decisions is opposed by those arguing specialists should spend their time on health, not on management decisions.

But the coalition insists it must reform the NHS to improve Britain's poorly-ranked health outcomes.

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