NHS London planned to close a third of London's hospital beds, move 55% of hospital work into 'polysystems' and close 13 district hospitals because of its £5bn funding shortfall.

The plans were criticised for assuming that a network of polysystems and polyclinics could replace many local hospitals and GP practices - an idea suggested by ex-health minister Lord Ara Darzi in his 2006 review of services in the capital.

But Mr Lansley said he wishes to put local clinicians in charge of any service changes that are required.

‘As I promised before the election, I am calling a halt to NHS London's reconfiguration of NHS services.

‘A top-down, one-size fits all approach will be replaced with the devolution of responsibility to clinicians and the public, with an improved focus on quality.

‘It will be centred on a sound evidence base, support from GP commissioners and strengthened arrangements for public and patient engagement, including local authorities.'

Andrew Lansley: what the new health secretary has in store for the NHS