The Health and Social Care Bill goes before Parliament later today.

Commenting on its publication, NSMC Director John Bromley said:

'The plans put forward represent both a huge opportunity and a grave risk to the NHS and, more importantly, the millions who depend on it every day.

'There is potential for a new era of community-based, people-centred healthcare. But GPs must be supported and encouraged to see beyond the needs of the people walking through their surgery doors.

'Not everyone accesses health services through their surgeries – if they access them at all. While GPs know their patients well, there are countless others in our communities who are at risk of being excluded from quality care.

'We must ensure that the in-depth insight into people's health needs accumulated by PCTs over the last 15 years is not lost in the transfer to GP-led commissioning. The NSMC will be working with a London pathfinder consortium to help GPs understand local needs and develop accessible services that promote good health.'