NHS: Shadow Health Secretary calls for reforms at AMII inaugural conference
Calls for an NHS based on demand and need and greater transparency from the private healthcare sector are required to move the UK's healthcare system forward, according to Andrew Lansley, shadow secretary of state for health.
Speaking at the Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries' (AMII) inaugural conference and exhibition, A Different Ballgame, Lansley raised a number of issues about the future of healthcare provision in the UK.
In his speech, Lansley outlined ways in which the current healthcare system could be revamped and called on doctors to be more involved in driving healthcare forward.
"We need to create an NHS based on need and adopt a less fragmented approach to healthcare, delivered on a population basis and by health professionals geared to leveraging change. It is doctors that should be delivering messages to the public on key public health issues," he said.
Lansley added that providing patients with greater choice when it comes to choosing their healthcare will help to create increased awareness on the cost, provision and availability of healthcare services in both the public and private sectors.
Discussing the need for greater clarity in healthcare provision, Lansley said the private healthcare sector must provide better defined solutions to patients if it wants to increase take-up, while the Government must look to reward those who opt out of the State system.
"If you are freeing a bed in the NHS, then why shouldn't you get recognition for that? You should be rewarded," he said.
