BMA: Reforms present an unacceptably high risk to NHS

The British Medical Association (BMA) has expressed concern that the government's NHS reform plans still pose an "unacceptably high" risk to the future of the health service.

Responding to the upcoming report stage and third reading of the controversial Health and Social Care Bill in parliament this week, the organisation said the planned overhaul could threaten the NHS' ability to operate "effectively and equitably".

Concerns have been raised about issues such as the removal of the current cap on income from private patients, the decision to force all NHS trusts to become foundation trusts and the focus on patient choice over care quality, among other aspects.

In a letter to MPs, BMA council chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum acknowledged that the government has made some efforts to address these issues, but stated that it still believes the bill needs to be withdrawn or amended further.

He added: "Meaningful, sustainable reform needs to have the full confidence of patients and those working in the health service."

This comes after the government announced the newest phase of its listening exercise on the NHS reform plans last month, which will focus on issues such as application of information and the use of integrated care models.