Patricia Hewitt has pledged to press ahead with reform of the NHS in her first speech as Health Secretary, including a doubling of operations carried out by the private sector.

Hewitt, formerly in charge at the Department of Trade and Industry has taken on the role following the post-election cabinet reshuffle, which sees John Reid transferred to Defence after serving at the Department of Health since June 2003.

Overlooking Frank Dobson, the 'old Labour' MP who held the post when New Labour first came to power in 1997, Hewitt said she would build on the work of her predecessors in the role.

"I am delighted and honoured to be given the job of Secretary of State for Health. John Reid and Alan Milburn put in place a programme of investment and reform that is beginning to deliver results.

"I am determined to drive forward our plans to create a patient-led NHS in the direction set by the Prime Minister, while keeping up the pace of change set by my predecessors."

Hewitt has pledged to spend three months 'listening and learning' from patients and NHS staff, even shadowing staff as they carry out their duties.

In her first speech as Health Secretary she said much had been achieved in the first five years of the 10-year NHS Plan, but said there remained a number of important challenges.

"We need to focus on achieving our pledge to reduce the maximum waiting times to 18 weeks, we need to transform the system to give patients more choice and more control over their treatment, and we need to press on with tackling MRSA."

Addressing an NHS conference in Birmingham, Hewitt also set out plans to increase use of the private sector treatment centres from 5% of operations to between 10% and 15%.

A sum of £3 billion will be earmarked for paying these contracts, which are expected to buy the service 1.7 million operations.

The rapid growth in the use of the private sector is one of the most controversial elements of Labour's current reforms, with the doctors' representatives the BMA particularly critical.

Chairman James Johnson is seeking an early meeting with the new Secretary of State and wants the government to acknowledge that private sector provision must not destabilise the services which the NHS itself provides.

"We seek to work with you on health issues in a way that produces the best outcome for patients and doctors alike," he said.

Meanwhile, leading healthcare union UNISON has welcomed Hewitt's appointment. UNISON head of health Karen Jennings said she looks forward to working with the new health secretary.

"She comes with excellent credentials from her input into the Women and Work Commission and she has a strong background in equality and diversity," said Jennings. "These are strong skills that are valued highly by UNISON members."

Meanwhile, influential health think tank the King's Fund has told the government it should press ahead with its radical agenda, but echoed the BMA's concerns about the destabilising effects of Payments by Results and greater competition from private providers.

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