UK
List of Priorities for New Health Secretary - BMA
By British Medical Association
May 9, 2005, 21:41

A list of the most critical areas for joint working in developing NHS policy has been sent to the new Secretary of State for Health by the British Medical Association.

In a letter expressing confidence in working in a constructive and positive way with the Government, Mr James Johnson, chairman of the BMA flags up what the BMA sees as the priority areas for the rest of this year.

Top of the list is involving doctors, health professionals and patients in the formulation of health policy and reforms.

Mr Johnson also calls on the new government to help people lead healthier lives, including taking measures such as banning smoking in all enclosed pubic places. Patient choice should be meaningful, relevant to patients and workable for doctors, says the letter.

The BMA wants to see recognition that private sector provision in the NHS must not destabilise the services which the NHS itself provides.

�We seek to work with you on health issues in a way that produces the best outcome for patients and doctors alike� writes Mr Johnson. He is seeking an early meeting with the Secretary of State for Health.

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