8.In a statement to the House of Commons on 4 July 2007(1), the Secretary of State for Health, Rt Hon. Alan Johnson, announced a review of the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS Next Stage Review, which was led by Lord Darzi of Denham, sought to develop a plan for the NHS over the next decade by engaging with patients, staff and the public.
9.On 4 October 2007 the Interim Report, Our NHS, Our Future,(2) was published. The Interim Report set out a 10 year plan for the NHS and considered how the NHS could become fairer and more personalised, effective and safe. It set out immediate and longer term priorities in these areas.
10.The NHS Next Stage Review Final Report, High Quality Care for All,(3) was published on 30 June 2008. The Final Report responds to the ten Strategic Health Authority strategic plans and puts forward a strategy for the NHS with a focus on quality.
11.This Act implements the parts of the NHS Next Stage Review that require primary legislation. The Act includes provisions concerning the NHS Constitution, Quality Accounts and direct payments for NHS healthcare services.
Available at:http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070704/debtext/70704-0004.htm#07070441000007Back [1]
Department of Health (2007). – Our NHS, Our Future - NHS Next Stage Review Interim Report. Department of Health, London. Available at: http://www.ourNHS.NHS.uk/fromtypepad/283411_OurNHS_v3acc.pdfBack [2]
Department of Health (2008). High Quality Care for All - NHS Next Stage Review Final Report,. CM 7432. Department of Health, London.
Available at:http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/publicationsandstatistics/publications/publicationspolicyandguidance/DH_085825Back [3]