Lib Dems urge localised healthcare

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.

Health spokesman Norman Lamb published his "vision paper", setting out plans for a local health service "freed from Whitehall".

The paper, which will be studied by the party's health policy working group, favours the creation of local health boards for decision-making.

It also proposes a "local health contribution" - a tax to pay for local health services which would be offset by cuts in national income tax.

The Liberal Democrats also want to create a "patient's contract" - a declaration of entitlements for everyone, regardless of where they live.

Furthermore, the party pledged to explore the introduction of more direct payments and personal budgets.

Mr Lamb said: "The Liberal Democrats are committed to an NHS which delivers high quality health services to all, irrespective of income.

"As Derek Wanless recently said, this can only be achieved by getting better value for money, but it is crucial to recognise that not every area has the same priorities.

"In today's highly centralised NHS there is a real 'democratic deficit', with too many decisions made in Whitehall.

"Protests against hospital closures and cuts to services, up and down the country, show that local people do not feel their voices are being heard. Liberal Democrats think the status quo is unacceptable. The key is creating real accountability to local communities, where they have the power to make decisions on how money is spent on their NHS."