GP practices are set to be handed responsibility for most health services under ministerial plans for a radical shake-up of the NHS in England.
Local trusts and strategic health authorities would be sharply scaled back to make way for their new role.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley believes GPs are best placed to understand patients’ needs and to decide where money should be spent.
But there are concerns GPs may not have the skills or will to take on the role. Others have questioned how they would be held accountable.
Discussions with doctors’ representatives over the plans are continuing, and the government has confirmed it will publish further details in a white paper next week.
Read more at BBC Health.
