Ministers 'holding NHS back'

The NHS should turn its back on political control to realise its full potential, the British Medical Association (BMA) says.

In a discussion paper published today the BMA proposes removing much of the Department of Health's (DoH) powers over the NHS and instead replacing them with a board of governors, to be scrutinised by parliament.

BMA council chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum argued the culture of the NHS should be transformed "from one of politicisation to one of professionalism" through the switch.

This would allow medical experts to run the organisation without interference for short-term political gain from ministers, he suggested.

"Such an important institution as the NHS should not be used by competing politicians trying to outbid each other with extravagant and unrealistic claims," Dr Meldrum said.

Implementing the BMA's proposed reforms would "ensure greater accountability to patients, and give NHS staff greater freedom to do their day-to-day work efficiently, without government interference", he added.

The BMA continues to support the government's proposals for an NHS constitution, setting out a "social contract" between the rights and responsibilities of patients.

The former would include choice about treatment and the right to confidentiality, the discussion paper says.

"We all want the very best for patients, but we must be honest and realistic about what any health service can do and what it cannot achieve," Dr Meldrum said.

"An NHS constitution would renew and strengthen the public's trust in an institution which they value very highly."

A special advisor at the DoH said the government was considering its response to the discussion paper.