The Conservatives have set out new plans to "set the NHS free" from central government control.

The party promised to deliver "far-reaching reform" to create a depoliticised NHS which remains free at the point of delivery.

In a consultation document the party says it will "reverse the position where patients are too often regarded as being there to service the system".

It also promises to dismantle the target culture and remove the burden of bureaucracy.

"We have a clear vision of an NHS under a Conservative government: an NHS free from political interference, where doctors can work to clinical rather than political priorities and patients have real choice within the healthcare system," said Iain Duncan Smith.

"Depoliticisation of health can occur only when direct control over the NHS is removed from politicians.

"To this end we are committed to the abolition of the central administrative targets that tie the NHS in red tape and a substantial reduction in the bureaucratic structure currently needed to implement them."

He said the party was aiming to give doctors and nurses "the autonomy they need".

"Our NHS will offer high quality care, free at the point of use and irrespective of ability to pay," he added.

Duncan Smith said it was "abundantly clear that Labour's approach to the NHS has failed to deliver the healthcare that Britain deserves".

"Their formula of micro-management and high tax high spend and high waste has failed to improve patient care and has reduced morale amongst NHS professionals to an all time low," he said.

"The government is taxing hard working people to fund a system that puts government targets before patients' health, and has more bureaucrats than beds.

"Under this government, the NHS serves Labour's needs not the needs of patients."