He who pays the piper calls the tune.

That's the idea behind a radical overhaul in healthcare in east Kent, which shifts the emphasis back to the community.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley launched the initiative today, which he hoped would act as a blueprint for the rest of the country.

He also unveiled the first report of the new Kent Health Commission, which aims to release more than £59m a year in Kent – an average of £5m per Kent district – giving people support at home or in their community.

The Kent Health Commission, established by KCC leader Paul Carter, brought together local GPs, local MP Charlie Elphicke and Dover Leader Paul Watkins.

The report focuses on Dover and Shepway, highlighting the work of GPs and how health trusts work with local councils.

KCC leader Paul Carter said: “The Kent Health Commission supports radical and bold changes in the way primary health care is delivered.

"We want to cut bureaucracy and combine health and social care budgets to commission new services based around patient needs.

“Working together, we will commission new community health support that will transform the way people are cared for.

"In meeting local need, new local commissioning arrangements will make sure that ‘he who pays the piper calls the tune’."

The changes could mean more district nurses, more occupational therapists, physiotherapists and intermediary care beds.

It's hoped the move will avoid unnecessary hospitalisation, particularly for patients with long-term illnesses.

Charlie Elphicke MP added: “The launch today is the culmination of months of hard work looking and approaching health policy in a more constructive and workable way.

"We need a proper hospital for Dover and the work of the health commission will help bring this closer to reality.”