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Johnson seeks to soothe NHS anger Johnson seeks to soothe NHS anger
(10 minutes later)
New Health Secretary Alan Johnson has sought to soothe anger over health services reforms by announcing a "once in a generation review" of the NHS. New Health Secretary Alan Johnson has sought to soothe anger over health service reforms by announcing a "once in a generation review" of the NHS.
Mr Johnson has asked Health Minister Sir Ara Darzi, a practising surgeon, to consult with patients and staff as there was frustration with reforms.Mr Johnson has asked Health Minister Sir Ara Darzi, a practising surgeon, to consult with patients and staff as there was frustration with reforms.
The review could lead to an NHS constitution setting out its values, priorities and lines of accountability.The review could lead to an NHS constitution setting out its values, priorities and lines of accountability.
The Tories accused the government of having "no vision for the NHS".The Tories accused the government of having "no vision for the NHS".
Mr Johnston told the House of Commons he accepted the government had not managed to keep the medical profession "on board" during its reform programme.Mr Johnston told the House of Commons he accepted the government had not managed to keep the medical profession "on board" during its reform programme.
This is an admission of failure after 10 years of this government. They are still searching for strategic direction Norman Lamb, of the Lib DemsThis is an admission of failure after 10 years of this government. They are still searching for strategic direction Norman Lamb, of the Lib Dems
He said there had been a huge amount of change to transform the NHS, but he was now looking to "forge a new partnership with the profession" and promised there would be no more structural change.He said there had been a huge amount of change to transform the NHS, but he was now looking to "forge a new partnership with the profession" and promised there would be no more structural change.
In recent months, both doctors and nurses have expressed anger at targets and the increasing competition that has been introduced. In recent months, both doctors and nurses have expressed anger at targets and the increasing competition that has been introduced into the health service.
Mr Johnson also said there would be more funding to fight hospital-based infections with the doubling in the size of inspection teams. Sir Ara's report, due to be completed next year but with an interim assessment due in the autumn to inform the comprehensive spending review, will look at:
  • Putting clinical decisions at the heart of NHS service delivery
  • Improving patient care, particularly for those with long-term and life-threatening conditions
  • Making care more accessible and convenient
  • Establishing a vision for the next decade based "less on central direction and more on patient control"
    • Mr Johnson also announced there would be more funding to fight hospital-based infections with the doubling in the size of inspection teams.
    'Turbulent waters'
    He said: "If the morale and goodwill of the profession dissipates, then our capacity for bringing about improvement for patients diminishes.
    "We must acknowledge that we have not managed to keep the profession on board as we have steered a path through the turbulent waters of change.
    "Having addressed the funding shortfall and put the necessary reforms in place, we will give the NHS the sustained period of organisational and financial stability it requires."
    Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said morale among staff was at "rock bottom".Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said morale among staff was at "rock bottom".
    "The Department of Health has no vision of where the NHS is going.""The Department of Health has no vision of where the NHS is going."
    Lib Dem health spokesman Norman Lamb said: "This is an admission of failure after 10 years of this government. They are still searching for strategic direction."Lib Dem health spokesman Norman Lamb said: "This is an admission of failure after 10 years of this government. They are still searching for strategic direction."