HCL plc, the UK's largest health and social care recruitment agency, said the Government's proposals to reform the NHS by devolving power to frontline professionals and patients will mean a greater need for flexible staffing and more collaboration between the public and private sectors.

The Government strategy document "Building Britain's Future", outlines proposals to reduce bureaucracy in the NHS and give patients enforceable rights to high standards of care. The proposals include Personal Health Budgets, faster access to hospital treatment and "clear redress mechanisms" if those entitlements were not met - including the right to request an immediate appointment at another hospital if their local one has no capacity…