A Hospital Patients' watchdog has welcomed the extension of the Coalition Government's Big Society thinking to the NHS, following yesterday's announcement by Andrew Lansley, Secretary of State for Health.
Lansley, in a speech to Community Groups in East London, confirmed plans to end the monolopy of NHS consultants in the care and treatment of patients. He said 'By opening up this area of work to voluntary and community groups we will see further extension of patient choice and a boost to local economies'
A spokesman for the watchdog said 'Since the inception of the NHS seriously ill people have been forced to accept a 'one size fits all' service. This has invariably been delivered by highly qualified staff whose training has been at the expense of the taxpayer. Today's announcement will not only create choice for patients but will also provide opportunities for volunteers, including the long term unemployed.'
