NHS change is needed, says David Cameron

Mr Cameron says he wants public service modernisation to be a "legacy" of his government

David Cameron has said "fundamental changes" are needed in the NHS and a "quiet life" was not an option.

Defending reforms for England, he told the BBC it was right to start now and change was being done "steadily" - amid criticism it is being done too fast.

He is setting out his determination to modernise Britain's public services in a speech.

The Royal College of GPs, the British Medical Association and trade unions say the upheaval is unnecessary.

Ministers will publish a health bill this week that will pave the way for GP consortiums to take over management of the NHS from primary care trusts.

But the Royal College of GPs and the British Medical Association say the same results could have been achieved by a small change in the current structure.

At the same time, the heads of six health unions, including the BMA, have warned in the Times of their "extreme concerns" about greater commercial competition between the NHS and private companies.

Read the full articel and find links to other news items on this story:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12203000