Commenting on Alan Johnson?s first speech to the House of Commons as Health Secretary, Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of the BMA Council said:
?The new health secretary has made a positive start by admitting that the Government has failed to sufficiently engage with patients, doctors and other NHS staff and to acknowledge the profession?s poor morale and disenchantment with current health policy.
?It is encouraging to hear the health secretary say that he wishes to hear and act on the views of health professionals and patients and to engage in meaningful consultation with them.
?It is disappointing that the Government feels it needs to undertake a review when the problems of the NHS have been apparent to the BMA, and others, for many months.
?Whilst we welcome the commitment to trust, honesty and respect there will be widespread cynicism that this is yet another review that will raise the profession?s hopes and the public?s expectations, yet fail to deliver the real changes that are necessary to restore professional and public confidence.
?The profession are looking for an NHS where they are freed up from unnecessary bureaucracy, engaged and valued, and patients want a comprehensive, clean, safe and responsive service.
?We are astonished that Alan Johnson made no mention of the problems faced by junior doctors caught up in the recruitment fiasco, with thousands still without a job, and the staff and associate specialist doctors who are the only group of NHS staff not to have benefited from a new contract. Acknowledgement of these pressing issues would have helped to demonstrate to the profession that the Government is not only prepared to listen, but is prepared to do something about it.?