New consultations launched on NHS licensing and procurement

The Department of Health has announced the launch of two new consultations aimed at improving the management of NHS licensing and procurement.

Over the coming weeks, members of the public and other relevant stakeholders will be solicited for opinions on how healthcare regulator Monitor will manage the licensing of private and voluntary providers of health services.

Meanwhile, a second consultation will focus on Monitor's role in overseeing the health service in the management of potential conflicts of interests in clinical commissioning groups, as well as issues pertaining to patient choice.

The aim of these initiatives is to ensure that the interests of patients and the wider public are safeguarded and care quality is maintained, even as the NHS attempts to deliver efficiency savings.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley said: "The Health and Social Care Act puts the interests of patients and the public where they belong – at the heart of the NHS."

This comes after the government announced plans earlier this week to solicit public views on a planned review of regulations governing the cosmetic surgery industry.