New NHS Future Forum recommendations to be accepted

The government has acknowledged and accepted a new round of recommendations from the NHS Future Forum, which aims to collate public and industry views on healthcare reform plans.

Following consultations during summer 2011, the Department of Health has identified a number of new issues for discussion, such as introducing a responsibility for healthcare professionals to promote healthy living during dealings with patients.

Other key priorities highlighted by the forum include giving employers a greater say over workforce development, placing more emphasis on integrated care and making discharge summaries available at the earliest opportunity.

This latest set of recommendations was compiled after the forum consulted with more than 12,000 people, which included attending in excess of 300 events.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley said it is essential that any NHS reform takes into account the views of both clinicians and patients.

"We are taking forward modernisation within the NHS in partnership with professional leaders from the service. I'm pleased to accept all their recommendations," he explained.