New legislation introduced by the government designed to promote competition within NHS procurement has been criticised for promoting privatisation within the service.

Writing to the Daily Telegraphmore than 1,000 NHS staff criticised the promotion of openness in procurement which would allow for private companies to take contracts if they competed effectively with public services.

Critics have also raised fears that the government’s move will distract MPs from their primary function, with their time being refocused to perform procurement functions.

Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, responded to the criticism of the legislation saying: “We want to be there to do the best job for patients. That is the purpose of the regulations.”

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