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First, given the turmoil of the Bill it is inconceivable that the Big-Beast hasn’t thought about it. I hear he has commissioned a consultancy to look at the scenarios and there is a set of PowerPoint doing the rounds that looks genuine to me. It is true they cannot be verified – yet.
50 PCTs, Docs in the driving seat and a management cost-cap is doable without legislation. Introducing private sector providers can be at local pace under AWP/AQP; already in place. Trusts can earn what they like in the private sector; already in the 1989/90 enabling legislation and FT freedoms. Monitor is better than the Office of Fair Trading and should stay only as a regulator; already doable and in place. CQC is a basket case and needs new management; otherwise it is in place. HealthWatch and all the rest can be parked for now.
The NHS needs to catch its breath, figure out how to save £20bn without more slash and burn. Let the service settle down and find its feet again. And, if the politicians are brave, a Royal Commission on the future.
Job done.