Date Published: 12 May 2010

BMA message to new UK Health Secretary

Commenting on the announcement of a new coalition Government and the appointment of Andrew Lansley as Secretary of State for Health, Dr Hamish Meldrum, Chairman of Council at the BMA said:

“ The formation of a new Government is an opportunity to continue the spirit of co-operation and pragmatism, exemplified by their coalition agreement, which will be needed in the tight financial climate we face in the health service.

We look forward to working constructively and positively with the new Health Secretary, and his ministerial team, to discuss how the BMA can assist with the development of health policies that will maintain and improve the quality of patient care, a difficult task given that the NHS will be facing serious financial pressures.

There are extremely difficult decisions ahead and more than ever, we need a period of stability and a working environment that encourages partnership and co-operation. There is intense pressure to make savings, but cutting clinical staff or frontline services would be not only short-sighted, but could also cause irreparable damage to the NHS. Doctors will want to play a central role in shaping the delivery of healthcare and we would encourage the new government to work with us to ensure that this can happen.”

 

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