Lansley: NHS reforms a 'real opportunity'

The British Medical Association, which represents GPs, has spoken out against Government plans to change the way the NHS is run in England.

Under the proposals, groups of doctors would take on the planning and budgets for health-care. The BMA says while it's in favour of some aspects of the changes, it has serious concerns about the possible cost and disruption they may cause.

The Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has played down the criticisms. He said: "This is a real opportunity not just for general practices in this country, but for everybody who is concerned to improve health and social care."