BMA: Still more work needed on NHS reforms

The British Medical Association (BMA) has stated that further discussions are needed to ensure that the success of the planned NHS reforms can be guaranteed.

A positive view has been taken by the organisation on the changes made by the government to the Health and Social Care Bill this week in response to feedback from its listening exercise.

In doing so, many issues raised by the BMA as key concerns – such as regulator Monitor's new duty to promote competition, or the lack of involvement in commissioning for clinicians other than GPs – have now been addressed.

However, the association noted that other problems still require resolution, including the "excessive" powers of the NHS Commissioning Board over commissioning consortia and uncertainties over the implementation of the 'any qualified provider' policy.

BMA council chairman Hamish Meldrum said: "We look forward to continuing our discussions with the government to help ensure that NHS reform is best for patients and workable for staff."

On announcing the changes this week, prime minister David Cameron said this shows the government is willing to listen and learn when implementing its radical plans for the health service.