Health minister: Private sector brings quicker care
Thursday, 10 Apr 2008 11:43
Independent involvement in the NHS provides patients with fast access to high quality treatment, according to health minister Ben Bradshaw.
He made the comments as the Department of Health announced that three new independent sector treatment centres (ISTCs) have been given the go-ahead.
Critics of the centres say they do not offer value for money, but Mr Bradshaw insists they provide greater choice, drive down waiting times and encourage the NHS to "raise its game".
"One million procedures have now been carried out by a range of independent sector providers and these three new schemes alone will provide over 1.5 million procedures to patients in Greater Manchester, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight," he added.
"We are committed to independent sector involvement in the NHS where it meets local needs, offers value for money and benefits local patients.
"It is right that in future the local NHS will commission independent sector providers, to ensure faster procurement of services that reflect local needs."
