NHS reforms ‘could lead to hospital closures’

Hospitals in England may have to close as part of sweeping reforms to the NHS, a report has claimed.

It was carried out by the NHS Confederation, which comprises the British Medical Association, the royal colleges representing GPs, surgeons and hospital doctors and the Faculty of Public Health, the Observer reveals.

The Health and Social Care Bill is due to be published by the government on Wednesday (January 19th 2011) and the study described the plans as "extremely risky", suggesting budget cuts will lead to hospital closures and threaten care quality.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley came in for criticism in the document, which claims he has not done enough to convince people of the need for such great changes to the system.

"The absence of any compelling story about why the reforms are necessary or how they will translate into improved outcomes is of concern," the report states.

Shadow health secretary John Healey told the news provider the publication is a "comprehensive demolition job", which means there may not be support for the measures.

However, the government has defended its plans, stating that the proposed reforms will help to eliminate bureaucracy and make the NHS more effective.