Government defends NHS reforms

An overhaul of the NHS was announced in July The government has rejected a warning by doctors' leaders that its planned health reforms could undermine the long-term future of the NHS in England.

It set out plans in July to give GPs control of much of the budget, while scrapping two tiers of managers.

The British Medical Association said it was not against the whole vision, but had concerns the changes could affect the service's "stability and future".

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said it was right to proceed with the reforms.

Continue reading the main storyRelated storiesQ&A: The NHS shake-upNHS 'to undergo radical overhaul' He said: "There are many GPs across the country who are keen to make the transition quickly, others want to know more about how it's going to work before they implement it," he said.

"This is what the consultation process is about, everyone coming forward to say how can we make this work."

He added that the plans were aimed at making care better for patients.

But the BMA's warning sparks the start of what promises to be a delicate balancing act for ministers.

The union's criticisms - made in its official response to July's White Paper - contrast with its initial response over the summer when it said it was "ready, willing and able".

And they come as the government faces a legal challenge from the union Unison.

The public sector union is seeking a judicial review over the way the government is handling the changes.

The official consultation period will end later this month, after which ministers are likely to start formal talks with BMA negotiators about implementing the changes.

The government wants to start piloting the GP consortiums, which will take charge of the budget from the soon-to-be abolished primary care trusts, this financial year. Full roll-out will follow within two years.

But it is this pace of change which is one of the problems, according to the BMA.

Continue reading the main storyThe key NHS changes GPs - Asked to get together in groups to take on responsibility for spending much of the NHS budget Hospitals - Encouraged to move outside the NHS to become "vibrant" industry of social enterprises Patients - More information and choice, including ability to register with any GP they want to Managers - Strategic health authorities and primary care trusts facing the axe It said the timetable could threaten.