Concern over private sector providers in the NHS
April 06, 2011
Posted by:Ruth Hewitt
This week the health secretary, Andrew Lansley, has announced a “natural break” in the passage of the Government’s Health Reform Bill.
The “pause” comes amid concerns over various aspects of the Bill, including GP-led consortia being place in charge of around 60% of the NHS’ £103 billion budget.
Major concerns have also been raised over the Government’s plans to open the NHS to “choice, competition and the involvement of the private sector.” Mr Lansley acknowledged the need to ensure that private sector providers do not cherry pick services in which they can undermine the existing NHS providers, and to make sure that front line services such as Accident and Emergency departments are protected.
The rise of private sector involvement in the NHS over the past few years has already led to medical negligence cases involving NHS Trusts outsourcing work to private sector providers. I have come across several cases where we have had to examine the standard of medical care provided by private sector providers.
Whatever the fate of the NHS Reform Bill, it seems that the Government is determined to increase private sector involvement in the NHS, and that we will continue to see medical negligence claims involving private sector providers.