More research is needed before conclusions can be drawn about the effect of recent reforms on hospital quality, let alone about the merits of the coalition government's proposals to extend competition.

England's health secretary Andrew Lansley has said that if England keeps on spending on health at the current rate, the NHS will be unaffordable in 20 years' time.

England's health secretary Andrew Lansley has said that his reforms for the NHS are needed because the country's health outcomes are among the poorest in Europe.

Tories in brief HEALTH The number of single bedrooms in NHS hospitals would be doubled within five years under plans unveiled by the Conservatives.

Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said it was time to "take away the excuses" so that overweight people started exercising and eating more fruit and vegetables.