2 November 2000

 

Number 8

 

Subject

 

Concordat between the NHS and the independent healthsector (See also Commentary No 5)

 

Background

 

On October 31 2000, aconcordat between the NHS and the independent health sector For the Benefit ofPatients was signed by Health Secretary Alan Milburn and chief executive ofthe Independent Healthcare Association Barry Hassell. Part of the Governments National Plan for the NHS, the Concordatencourages health authorities and NHS Trusts to use spare capacity inindependent hospitals for waiting list operations, intensive care,rehabilitation and intermediate care for recovering patients.

 

BUPAs position

 

We welcome the Governments recognition of thecontribution that can be made by the independent sector in reducing thepressures on the NHS. BUPA will beworking on a number of specific proposals, which include non-urgent surgery,intermediate care and clinical support services.

 

The Concordat has been broadly welcomed by most of thoseinvolved. However, some criticisms are:

 

        This is privatisation by the back door.

RESPONSE: Itformalises at national level, co-operation that has existed for many yearsbetween independent hospitals and NHS bodies through arrangements made at locallevel. This year we have treated over1,000 NHS patients but we have the capacity to treat around 20,000 a year. Where there is spare capacity in the independentsector, it makes sense to use it for NHS patients.

 

        The private sector relies on staff trained in the NHS.

RESPONSE: Whilethe initial training of doctors and nurses takes place in the public sector,the independent sector makes a major contribution to nurse training; about athird of all post-qualification training courses are in the independent sector.

 

        More work in private hospitals means doctors and nursesspending less time with NHS patients.

RESPONSE: The Concordatis a flexible document that enables co-operation between the two sectors. Its aim is to provide NHS patients withaccess to additional healthcare facilities.The precise arrangements for how the care will be delivered are left tolocal negotiation. It could involveconsultants operating on patients during their NHS time; however, the majorityof work is expected to follow the current practice of consultants workingoutside the hours they are contracted to work with the NHS.

 

Furtherinformation: ClareHollingsworth, Managing Director, BUPA Hospitals, 020 7656 2526