The government wants a "full range of health and care professionals" involved in commissioning under the NHS reforms, health minister Simon Burns told parliament on July 12. Mr Burns said that clinical commissioning groups (formerly known as GP consortia) should seek advice from relevant health professionals when making a decision.

"The government wants the full range of health and care professionals to be involved in the new commissioning arrangements, supporting the NHS commissioning board and clinical commissioning groups to design pathways of care and shape services," he explained.

"The government's response to the NHS Future Forum report makes clear that they will strengthen existing duties on clinical commissioning groups to secure professional advice, and ensure this advice is from a full range of health professionals where relevant," Mr Burns said. "Clinical networks and senates will have a wide range of multi-disciplinary input, including from allied health professionals."

Clinical commissioning groups, networks and senates were introduced to the government's NHS reform plans in June.

The updated plans followed the Future Forum's listening exercise to address clinicians' concerns about the reforms.

Mr Burns added that the NHS commissioning board would be responsible for issuing guidance on the issue.

Find out more about clinical commissioning groups network and senates using C+D's interactive guide to the new NHS.