The government is to publish details of the biggest planned overhaul of the NHS in England since its creation, amid mounting criticism of the changes.

The Health and Social Care Bill, which will be laid before Parliament later, paves the way for GPs to get control of most of the NHS budget by 2013.

Unions warn the plans could undermine the health service, while MPs say they have taken the NHS by "surprise".

But the government argues the changes will improve care and accountability.

This will be the key message the Department of Health stresses as the bill is unveiled.

'Simple ambition'

After spending the past week defending the plans from attacks by unions, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley wants to stress the positives by detailing how he believes they will transform the NHS for the better.

 

Speaking ahead of the publication of the draft legislation, he said: "Our ambition is simple - to deliver care for patients which is the best of anywhere in the world on the NHS."

The reforms were first set out in a white paper published last summer and will lead to a radical overhaul of the health service.

Managers working for primary care trusts (PCTs) are currently responsible for planning and buying local services from hospital care to district nursing, but under the changes consortia of GPs will take on responsibility for this from 2013.

Pilots are already starting and once the process is complete, two tiers of management - PCTs and the 10 regional health authorities - will be scrapped.

The bill has been eagerly awaited by those in the NHS to see just how much power will be devolved to doctors, how they will be held accountable and what safeguards will be put in place.

'Extreme concerns'

In the lead up to its publication, fears were voiced by the NHS Confederation that hospitals could go bust as the plans include opening up the NHS to "any willing provider".

 

Speaking ahead of the publication of the draft legislation, he said: "Our ambition is simple - to deliver care for patients which is the best of anywhere in the world on the NHS."

The reforms were first set out in a white paper published last summer and will lead to a radical overhaul of the health service.

Managers working for primary care trusts (PCTs) are currently responsible for planning and buying local services from hospital care to district nursing, but under the changes consortia of GPs will take on responsibility for this from 2013.

Pilots are already starting and once the process is complete, two tiers of management - PCTs and the 10 regional health authorities - will be scrapped.

The bill has been eagerly awaited by those in the NHS to see just how much power will be devolved to doctors, how they will be held accountable and what safeguards will be put in place.

'Extreme concerns'

In the lead up to its publication, fears were voiced by the NHS Confederation that hospitals could go bust as the plans include opening up the NHS to "any willing provider".

Source: Nick Triggle

Health reporter, BBC News