Reforms set in train by the implementation of the Health and Social Care Act have proved ‘damaging and distracting', a leading health think-tank has found.

A report issued today by The King's Fund commends as positive some of the changes, which included giving local authorities responsibility for public health and the establishment health and wellbeing boards.

But its assessment lambasts the decision to put in motion complex organisational changes when the focus of the NHS should have been on tackling growing service pressures and a spending freeze.