Public health experts call for NHS shakeup rethink

The coalition government's proposed shakeup of the NHS has come under fire from 400 public health experts.

In a letter to members of the House of Lords, the leading doctors and clinicians claim that the changes outlined would cause fragmentation in the NHS and threaten some nationally-run health programmes.

Other problems thrown up by the legislation in its current form include the undermining of the health system's ability to deal with outbreaks and pandemics.

"The government claims that the reforms have the backing of the health professionals. They do not. Neither do they have the general support of the public," the statement said.

Signed by leading figures in British healthcare, including Sir Michael Marmot and Professor Martin McKee from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the letter is aimed at curtailing the commercialisation of health provision.

However, speaking to the BBC, prime minister David Cameron said the general public wants to see healthcare reform and improved choice in the NHS.