Martin McKee replies to Andrew Lansley

I thank the Secretary of State for seeking to correct my misunderstanding of the proposed NHS reforms.1 However, his response has raised additional questions in my mind, not least because in the 24 hours since his response was published he has published almost 140 amendments to the bill. I wonder if I am alone in struggling to keep up.

I am reassured to know that the NHS will “remain free at the point of use” but am still unclear whether this covers those services, such as sexual health, that are being transferred to local government and therefore will no longer be “NHS.” Will councils be able to means test them, as they did with the long term …