Intentions and risk for the NHS

As clearly stated by Left Foot Forward, the intention of the Coalition Government’s reform of the NHS is to make private GP consortia carry out all commissioning, although the government will still pay for NHS treatment. Service provision will be further opened up to private companies, including those which are not-for-profits. Market competition is intended to drive up standards and lower costs, bringing value for money for taxpayers.

The Guardian reports that John Healey, the Labour Shadow Health Secretary, has had a Freedom of Information request refused to release details of what risk assessment the health department or its advisers have undertaken to identify potential hazards of the reforms. In his letter to David Cameron before Christmas, the question about risk assessment was one of several that Healey asked.