BMA calls for careful planning of NHS reforms

The British Medical Association (BMA) has called on the government to ensure it carefully plans any proposed reforms of the NHS in close consultation with doctors.

Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of the BMA Council, stated that proposals in the recent government white paper will have a “substantial impact” on healthcare provision in the UK.

He welcomed proposals to provide patients with more information about their care, but cautioned that any such information should be “meaningful” to both patients and doctors.

Dr Meldrum also stated that plans for commissioning of healthcare should first be properly discussed with clinicians, as they have the most insight into the reality of patient needs.

“We are looking forward to discussing the details behind these new initiatives in more depth and playing an active role in the consultations that follow,” he added.

This comes after a BMA spokesman cautioned last week that taking a “blunt tool” approach to NHS budget cuts will risk damaging the quality of patient care.