BMA: Private sector does not bring value for money
Thursday, 10 Apr 2008 11:27
Private sector involvement in the NHS does not offer value for money, the British Medical Association (BMA) claims.
The doctors' group also argues that independent sector treatment centres (ISTCs) could destabalise existing local health services.
Its comments follow an announcement from the Department of Health that three more of the centres have been given the go-ahead.
Dr Jonathan Fielden, chairman of the BMA's consultants committee, said the government has "ignored" the "substantial" evidence about negative impacts of ISTCs.
"Many of the existing schemes have not delivered on their contracts because the need for extra capacity was poorly assessed or quality was questionable," he claimed.
"Now the NHS finds itself locked into lengthy deals, which are paid for regardless of activity, with later expensive 'buy-back' schemes for unused buildings."
Dr Fielden added: "We are disappointed that the government has still not learnt that there are better ways of spending NHS money and would urge local health trusts to think very carefully before signing deals with the private sector in the future.
"The independent sector should only be used when the NHS cannot provide the service locally, quality can be assured, and when it is truly value for money."