Lansley discusses NHS modernisation goals in Washington

Secretary of state for health Andrew Lansley has set out how the UK's NHS aims to put patients in the driving seat as part of its goals for modernisation.

Mr Lansley made his comments in a speech given to the Brookings Institute in Washington DC and noted that while universal access to healthcare is a given in the UK, access to quality treatment is not guaranteed.

This is something that the government is keen improve upon, with greater choice at the centre of reforms, according to the minister.

"We are putting patients in control of their own care – of where, by whom and even, where appropriate, how they are treated – because it will lead to better outcomes," he said.

Earlier this month, Mr Lansley welcomed an agreement between the government and the British Medical Association to give patients more choice when seeing their GP.

The deal will see the launch of three new pilot schemes in the UK, aimed at improving flexibility in practices.