11 August 2000 Number 7

 

Subject

 

The National Plan for the New NHS

 

Background

 

Commentary No 4 of July 282000 gave BUPAs initial views on aspects of the Governments National Plan forthe NHS. More detail has emerged,particularly in respect of the proposed seven-year probationary period fornewly-appointed consultants, during which they would be unable to work in theprivate sector.

 

BUPAs position

 

BUPA Hospitals is disappointed by the proposal to restrictnew consultants from working in the independent sector for up to seven yearsafter they qualify.

 

There is no evidence to suggest that consultants work inthe independent sector acts to the detriment of the NHS in any way. The House of Commons Health Committee cameto that conclusion in its report (July 6 2000) on consultants contracts. BUPAs evidence to the committee showed thaton average the vast majority of consultants hold only two sessions per week inits hospitals.

 

BUPAs view is:

        The whole healthcare system benefits from consultantsworking across both sectors and not being forced to choose between them. Changes to this could lead to a loss ofconsultant manpower.

        The present arrangements allow the independent sector tomake a significant contribution to healthcare provision. One non-emergency operation in five iscarried out in the independent sector.

        New consultants often bring with them newer techniques andthe facilities for these procedures can often be made available in theindependent sector.

 

BUPA hopes that re-consideration can be given to thisspecific proposal.

 

Long-termcare

The announcement of theNational Plan also contained proposals for changes to the funding of long-termcare notably that nursing care costs would be met by the State while the costsof personal care would not. Theproposals have been challenged by some interest groups and BUPA shares theirconcern that without a clear definition between personal care and nursing care,some unhelpful confusion still exists in the minds of those people directlyaffected. BUPA would encourage theGovernment to produce early guidance on how these assessments will be made.

 

Furtherinformation: RichardJones, Operations Director, BUPA Hospitals, 020 7656 2017

GrahamSmith, Managing Director, BUPA Care Services, 0113 259 1177