Government outlines new NHS plans to safeguard patient choice

New changes to NHS functions have been announced by the government with the aim of improving access to choice among patients.

In a key speech at Guy's Hospital, health secretary Andrew Lansley revealed that new maps will be created that detail the availability of GP practices and local health services across the country, both of which will be easily accessible.

Moreover, a new focus on improving patient results via the 2012/13 NHS Outcomes Framework will mean that NHS performance will be measured by how successfully patients were treated and how well they were looked after.

Mr Lansley said the intention of these changes is to ensure that patients have access to the information they need to make informed choices over their care providers.

"It sets the direction for the whole NHS. Orienting the NHS back towards the people who really matter: its patients," he added.

Last month, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development reported that the NHS is performing well for patients in areas such as mental health and vaccinations, but is lagging behind in others.