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The Prime Minister revealed the next stage of NHS reforms at his regular press conference this morning.<\/p>\nThe Prime Minister revealed the next stage of NHS reforms at his regular press conference this morning.<\/p>\n
Gordon Brown was joined by Health Secretary Andy Burnham to outline key changes which aim to create a “patient-centred service”.<\/p>\n
The plans include a guarantee that everyone between 40 and 74 will have the legal right to a five-yearly NHS Health Check. Patients will also be legally entitled to treatment within 18 weeks of referral by their GP and will be able to see a specialist within two weeks if they have suspected cancer.<\/p>\n
Gordon Brown said that the new reforms will give power back to patients:<\/p>\n
\n“It is part of the move away from a target-led approach that was needed to raise standards and to give more power to patients and frontline staff. But now frontline staff who are essential to deliver these reforms are able to be held to account by the general public with the guarantees.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
During the press conference the Prime Minister also paid tribute to the nation’s fallen soldiers and answered questions on topics such as the economy, a letter that the PM sent to the mother of a soldier killed in Afghanistan and climate change.<\/p>\n