Andrew Lansley welcomed by NHS professionals

The three organisations have welcomed the appointment of Mr Lansley but stressed the importance of working with them in order to protect frontline services and patient care.

Dr Peter Carter, chief executive and general secretary of the RCN, stressed that the organisation had enjoyed a good working relationship with Mr Lansley in his previous role.

Dr Carter added: “We look forward to building on this during his time in office and urge Andrew to listen carefully to the concerns of nurses, who can provide the frontline perspective needed to improve the experience of every patient.
 
“The RCN has always said we will speak up when we disagree with the government and be vocal in our support when they get things right. We look forward to a mature working relationship that puts the care and wellbeing of patients at the forefront.”

Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of council at the BMA said: “The formation of a new Government is an opportunity to continue the spirit of co-operation and pragmatism, exemplified by their coalition agreement, which will be needed in the tight financial climate we face in the health service.

“There are extremely difficult decisions ahead and more than ever, we need a period of stability and a working environment that encourages partnership and co-operation. There is intense pressure to make savings, but cutting clinical staff or frontline services would be not only short-sighted, but could also cause irreparable damage to the NHS. Doctors will want to play a central role in shaping the delivery of healthcare and we would encourage the new government to work with us to ensure that this can happen.”

Deputy general secretary of the RCM, Louise Silverton, is seeking to meet with Mr Lansley “as a matter of urgency” to discuss his plans for maternity services.

She said: “We will be putting forward a case as to why maternity services need sustained funding that matches the demands placed on the service. Midwife numbers improved and increased funding was reaching the front line under the previous government. We want to see this maintained under the new administration.”

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