The coalition said these changes would help "ensure that commissioners' decisions on buying clinical services are transparent and fair, and that they improve the quality and efficiency of health care services for patients".

BBC: Doctors and nurses

Mark Goldring, chief executive at the charity Mencap, would be helping officials at the Department of Health investigate the findings of inquiries by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), England's regulator of health and social care services, and the local council, Mr Burstow added.

BBC: Labour calls for independent inquiry on care home abuse

Traditional Medicare must contract with any willing provider of health-care services, regardless of efficiency or quality.

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In response to the other concerns raised in the report, it said it had introduced a "quality and safety system" into mental health services which closely monitors the standards of care on wards, including nutrition infection control and training and education, among others.

BBC: Cefn Coed Hospital, Swansea apology for patient failure

The government said there were targets in place for patients' access to psychology services - and to improve the quality of care delivered to people presenting with mental health problems.

BBC: Edinburgh, Fife & East Scotland