Johnson announces NHS change

Alan Johnson has told the Labour Party spring conference that the days of a "one-size-fits-all" NHS are over.

The health secretary highlighted plans for GPs to provide extra appointments at weekends and evenings and for the health service in general to give a more personal service to patients.

"The days of patients being the passive recipients of one-size-fits-all service are over," he said.

"A successful health service will always appear inadequate because it will continually be highlighting the challenges ahead.

"Despite the dramatic reductions in deaths from cancer, heart disease and stroke, they are still Britain's biggest killers.

"Despite real progress in reducing smoking, new lifestyle diseases like obesity pose a huge threat for the future. We have growing mental health problems and an ageing population in need of care.

"It is for these reasons that we will put increased investment in healthcare for all before tax cuts for the wealthy few."

Johnson told the conference that a more responsible NHS is vital for everybody's health.

He said: "People should have more choice over when they are able to see their GP. I hope that GPs will agree to provide extra appointments at weekends or evenings."

And the health secretary added that extended opening hours are "not just for the benefit of commuters who struggle to see their doctor" but also for hourly paid workers who cannot afford to take time off work.