Government urged to put health care first

The chairman of the British Medical Association has urged the
new Labour government to live up to its election promise of putting
health care first.

Dr Ian Bogle acknowledged the government’s ambitious plans
for the NHS, but said the BMA hoped to see a new emphasis on the
quality and safety of care, rather than quantity and numbers.

Bogle urged the major contractual negotiations involving
consultants and GPs to become a key government priority.

He said: “They require urgent solution. We look forward to
working with the new government to improve the quality of health
services for patients, and to bring about successful contractual
negotiations, and we will wish to discuss these and other matters
with ministers at the earliest possible opportunity.”