The NHS Future Forum has today released its second report on the future of the NHS, which includes recommendations across education and training, integration, information and public health.

In response to the NHS Future Forum report, health secretary Andrew Lansley said the government will accept all of the proposals.

He said the report offers a ‘genuinely valuable contribution’ to government policy.

The backing will now mean that all recommendations will now be implemented, including the call for health professionals to use every patient contact to provide information on healthy lifestyle choices. 

The government said it will hold a consultation later this month that will look at how health professionals can ‘make every contact count’ and how GPs can maximise their role in preventing poor health.

The government added that it would also strengthen the public health elements of the QOF in the future.

It said: ‘The future development of the QOF will provide an opportunity to explore how to create stronger incentives for GP practices to make every contact count, improve their local population’s mental and physical health and wellbeing, and reduce inequalities.’

The response also said that the government accepts the NHS Future Forum’s proposals for incentivising integration.

It also said the NHS Commissioning Board will call for incentives for integration to be written into the GMS contract during future contract negotiations.

Mr Lansley said: 'I have been particularly impressed with the depth and breadth of engagement you and your fellow Forum colleagues have achieved since the summer.

‘The numbers of people you have involved is a testament to the hard work of the forum members and gives your conclusions a genuine legitimacy and foundation for success.'

Editor's blog: Will 'incentivising integration' mean a quality premium by the back door?