'Free NHS from MPs' interference'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The BMA is proposing a formal constitution for the NHS, giving it greater independence from party politics. The arguments are contained in the first of a series of discussion papers on NHS reform in England.

The paper says that health professionals, in consultation with patients, should have much greater involvement in NHS management.

Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of council at the BMA, said: "Such an important institution as the NHS should not be used by competing politicians trying to outbid each other with extravagant and unrealistic claims.

"We need to transform the culture of the health service from one of politicisation to one of professionalism."

He said this would ensure greater accountability to patients and give NHS staff more freedom to carry out their daily work more efficiently, without Government "interference".

The BMA believes that the statute books fall "some way" short of defining a framework with an adequate and lasting foundation for the future health service.

The proposals would see the service operate under the guidance of a Board of Governors. And the Department of Health's control over day-to-day operational matters would be significantly reduced, with the focus of its remit shifting to public health issues.

Parliament would have a greater role in the scrutiny of NHS strategy, for example in resolving disagreements over the strategic direction of the NHS.

The paper reiterates the BMA's position that the NHS should remain free at the point of use, and funded by general taxation. The Department of Health said that transferring decision-making powers to an unaccountable national board would be "nonsense".