Healthcare bodies welcome appointment of new health secretary

UK health bodies have responded positively to the appointment of Jeremy Hunt as secretary of state for health, replacing Andrew Lansley.

The British Medical Association has welcomed the change – which came as part of the coalition government's cabinet reshuffle – as a "fresh opportunity" for doctors and the government to work together to deal with the many challenges and pressures facing the NHS.

This view was echoed by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), with chief executive and general secretary Dr Peter Carter noting that the RCN "has not seen eye-to-eye" with Mr Lansley over the government's controversial health reforms.

He added: "The RCN will now be looking to work with incoming secretary of state Jeremy Hunt to ensure that the nursing voice is heard."

Meanwhile, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry said it is vital that Mr Hunt considers solutions to the problem of NHS patients not being able to access innovative new medicines quickly enough.

Chief executive Stephen Whitehead added that a new pricing system which benefits both drugmakers and taxpayers should also be devised.