New transparency-oriented NHS reforms outlined

The government has continued to set out further details of its planned amendments to NHS reforms by outlining new measures designed to increase transparency.

It has been confirmed that the revised Health and Social Care Bill will include a new duty of candour for healthcare providers, which will compel them to openly admit mistakes when they are made.

Moreover, Foundation Trust hospitals will be required to hold public board meetings as part of the changes, which are designed to create greater accountability and ultimately improve care quality standards.

Other newly announced healthcare reforms outlined this week include the introduction of value-based pricing and the continued provision of access to National Institute for Clinical Excellence-recommended drugs beyond 2014.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley said: "I believe the revised plans we set out today will both safeguard the future of our NHS and ensure it is more efficient and more accountable."

Further healthcare reform amendments announced in recent weeks include wider involvement of health experts in clinical commissioning groups, new safeguards against privatisation and a slower rollout of certain initiatives.