NHS Future Forum

Diana Johnson Excerpts

Tuesday 14th June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Lansley]

The Future Forum is perfectly clear that there is a benefit associated with integrating health and social care if clinical commissioning groups do not normally cross local authority boundaries. But it is clear, and we are clear, that they should be able to make a case to do so if they think it appropriate. We have the benefit of being able to look at the pathfinder consortia, of which there are 220 and I think that 16 cross local authority boundaries, so it is already the exception rather than the rule.

[Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab)]

Will the NHS be the preferred provider of choice for health care services for my constituents?

[Mr Lansley]

No, I have said that we will legislate to ensure a level playing field, so her constituents should have access to whichever provider their clinical commissioning group views as best able to deliver quality care.