NHS leaders briefed on next phase of health reforms

The government is writing to NHS leaders to help prepare them for the transition to the next phase of its ambitious health service reforms.

NHS chief executive David Nicholson has written both to NHS senior leaders and to strategic health authority and primary care trust chairs to set out new arrangements for the transition period.

As outlined in the Health and Social Care Act passed earlier this year, the aim of these reforms is to implement an independent NHS board, promote patient choice, reduce administration costs and increase GP control over commissioning services.

People appointed to certain NHS Commissioning Board and NHS Trust Development Authority leadership positions will be responsible both for managing relevant operational delivery under the current system and planning the operations of the new structure after April 2013.

The letters explain that new arrangements will be implemented locally in line with current systems and structures, with the aim of ensuring stability and resilience are maintained during the transitional period.