NHS Confederation deputy policy director Jo Webber said:

"Mr Cameron is absolutely right to highlight an issue that is central to public confidence in the NHS. He offers a good start with some positive steps forward, many of which are already happening.

"He is spot on when he highlights the importance of strong leadership, robust processes and communication with patients.

"It is vital that all parts of the NHS are brought up to the standards of the best. But to tackle this we will also need to address the really knotty ingrained and complex issues.

"The fact is that the NHS is having to cope with a significant increase in older patients and people with dementia which means more intensive and specialist care is needed throughout many hospitals. It is no secret that balls have been dropped and people have had some quite unacceptable experiences.

"The answers lie in a pretty radical shift in the way we think about care. We have got to get to the culture on some wards, the skills of our staff, the prevention of unnecessary hospital admissions and the safe discharge of people into the community.

"The Prime Minister must avoid the search for a silver bullet that resonates with the public but does not actually get to the fundamental problem. He must work with NHS leaders on this. They are the ones ultimately who are going to make this happen working with frontline staff. The future forum has a good track record of doing this.
 
"The NHS is up for the challenge. The NHS Confederation set up its commission on dignity in care with Age UK and the Local Government Association to find lasting solutions to these fundamental issues facing the NHS."