Private sector in the NHS
Thursday, 10 Apr 2008 11:06
Supporters of private sector involvement says it can bring faster treatment
How much involvement should the private sector have in the NHS?
The issue has been raised after the government announced that three more independent sector treatment centres (ISTC) have been given the go-ahead.
The three centres are estimated to provide over 1.5 million contracted procedures and outpatient consultations, including general surgery, orthopaedics, ophthalmology and diagnostics.
The Department of Health is also considering proposals for ISTCs in Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
It announced that independent sector provision will in future be procured locally rather than centrally.
Supporters of ISTCs say they can bring faster treatment and greater choice.
But opponents say they do not offer value for money and could destabilise local health services.
inthenews.co.uk brings you all the key responses and comment on the issue throughout the day.