NHS reform 'has alienated doctors'

Doctors and nurses have lost confidence in NHS reform and a full review of the health service will be carried out, Health Secretary Alan Johnson has admitted.

The medical profession have not remained "on board" during the Government's reform programme, leading to "confusion and frustration" among staff.

An "unprecedented" 11-month review will be carried out and the Government would "consider the case" for a new NHS constitution when it is complete.

Mr Johnson also announced infection improvement teams will be doubled in a bid to combat hospital-acquired diseases including MRSA and C difficile.

Mr Johnson also announced an end to "centrally dictated top-down restructuring" for primary care trusts and strategic health authorities "for the foreseeable future".

After the Commons announcement Shadow Health Secretary said the review will leave NHS staff and the public "disappointed" and that morale in the NHS was at "rock bottom".

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