Political debate on the NHS should no longer be about whether the health service is receiving enough funding, the Liberal Democrat conference has heard.

Health spokesman Paul Burstow told delegates that Labour's spending plans mean the NHS "is getting the money it needs".

But he warned that the money is not being spent effectively, with central control distorting priorities.

In a speech on Wednesday morning, Burstow said that "unelected, unrepresentative and unaccountable quangos" have too much influence over health service planning.

Setting out an alternative plan, he said that hospitals should be more accountable "locally and regionally".

The frontbencher argued that "important decisions should be taken by people who are elected by, representative of and answerable to the people".

Detailing a range of health policies, Burstow said the focus should now be on "how we best spend the money to get the best prevention, best treatment, best care".

Plans being highlighted at the Bournemouth gathering include giving patients more control over the healthcare they receive, with "health MOTs" providing information on when intervention is required.

There will also be fewer centrally imposed NHS targets and a switch in funding so that income comes from an earmarked "national health contribution" which would replace the existing National Insurance system.

And an end to charged for eye and dental checks will also be proposed, as will action to discourage Britain's "fast food culture" which has been blamed for pushing up obesity rates.

"We would put health literacy into the school curriculum, bringing back lessons on healthy eating and cooking so we stop turning out couch potatoes and microwave chefs," Burstow said.