Royal College of Nursing critical of GP funding reforms

Government plans to reform the NHS by allowing GPs in England to control budgets previously administered by primary care trusts are being criticised by professional bodies.

Dr Peter Carter of the Royal College of Nursing says the reforms will cause "instability" in the NHS, especially when coupled with spending cuts.

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

The bill, to be published this week, will allow GP consortia to take over managing the NHS from primary care trusts in England.