Sir Roy Griffiths reported on the development of community care, observing that the lack of progress was down to the lack of leadership and responsibility.
The review produced policy ideas including creation of an internal market and GP fundholding. This formed the basis of the 'Working for patients' white paper.
The white paper proposed significant reforms to the NHS. It introduced a split between the bodies who provided care and those who purchased it, creating an internal market in the NHS.
Despite growing opposition to the government's NHS reform programme and Thatcher's resulting concerns, Kenneth Clarke, Secretary of State, refused to back down.
Legislation provided for the 'purchaser/provider split'. This marked the start of an internal market in the NHS and changes to local authorities' social care functions.