The coalition's proposal for a radical overhaul of the NHS will not improve services or save money, according to interim managers.

Two-thirds of those taking part in research by Interim Partners said that empowering GP consortia to procure health services will not improve public health, while 75% said commissioning would fail to create savings.

Steve Melber, senior consultant at Interim, said: "GPs would be the first to admit that they did not train as medical professionals to become service commissioners. While some will take up the mantle, many do not have the experience or the desire to be put in charge of commissioning healthcare services for their local populations."