Government launches £40m 'programmes for action'

The government has launched three programmes for action on orthopaedics, dermatologists and ear, nose and throat surgery. The programmes - for which funding of £40m was announced in August - aim to enable 'innovative practice', cut waiting times, improve patient access and reduce inequalities in provision of services. The programmes have been backed by the president of the British Association of Head and Neck Surgeons, the British Association of Dermatologists and the British Orthopaedic Association. Trusts will be notified of their allocation of the first £19m by mid-November.