It has been pretty clear for some time that, in dealing with financial stringency, one of the responses PCTs have been using is demand management, more or less explicitly.

This evening, this story is 'breaking' on BBC News via a survey of members of the British Orthopaedic Association. Referral thresholds have been changed, leading to restrictions and delays.

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Health Service Journal's Ben Clover provides us with a much-needed smile, thanks to this story about a proposed national social enterprise to do communications for GP commissioning consortia.

Apparently, it would offer 'gold' and 'silver' packages; campaigns; an FOI service; support around reconfiguration and best of all, a policy helpline to DH.

Yes, you did read that last bit right.

The new report from the health select committee, Commissioning - further issues, is now online.

It is a thoughtful analysis of issues, and as such, comes up with some points that will scarcely improve the gloomy mood of DH ministers.

They will rhetorically welcome the report, and promise to take due note of it in their forthcoming 'hearing but not listening' exercise.

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The Hansard text of today's Commons chat on NHS reform is now online. Copied below:

NHS Reform

4.41 pm

The good people from Hansard will have the text online soon, but for now, some thoughts from myself and also via acquaintances and friends on Twitter. (Come say hello to @HPIAndyCowper if you're on there)

1. There is zero desire on Mr Lansley's part to change course.

2. Mr Lansley is a Manichaean in his view of the world. He is absolutely right, and therefore his opponents are absolutely wrong. It's a black-and-white world.

Good afternoon.

I'm starting with Lord Tebbit's editorial for the Daily Mirror. It's where Our Saviour And Liberator Andrew Lansley started. As I pointed out, in 2001 OSAL told BBC News Tebbit was his political hero.

The following press release sets out Lib Dem activists' 'red line' objections to their Coalition Government Health And Social Care Bill.

As we have pointed out, their party is now formally opposed to significant parts of the Bill as it stands.

The current Lib Dem leadership is largely from the Orange Book wing of the party. It's interesting to scan the aims of the Orangemen and Orangewomen when considering what follows below.

So, it's The Calais Defence for Number 10 (which, topically enough, is a political strategy only a mother could love).

My friend Randeep Ramesh, social affairs editor of The Guardian has picked up the Press Association's story on Downing Street's response to the latest Lansley furore over the Health And Social Care Bill.

Rumour's a funny dame, with her characteristic little echo-chamber of Chinese whispers, mischief and wish-fulfilment.

In the startling insularity of NHSLand, Dame Rumour acts as a pressure-valve, bush telegraph and light entertainment. All of which NHSLand seriously needs - now perhaps more than ever,

Last night, two different sources contacted me about a rumour, which both insisted had come from senior figures in DH - that Our Saviour And Liberator Andrew Lansley would be gone by the end of this weekend.

The reason I mention this rumour is two-fold.

[Historical note - check the date]
In a dramatic policy U-turn, the Coalition Government's health policy review will in a year's time nationalise general practice.

Health Policy Insight can reveal that on 1 April 2012, ministers will oversee the transfer of GPs' contracts, assets and splendidly effective trades union to state control.