BMA calls for clarity on plans to increase private health provision

Commenting on plans to increase private sector activity in the NHS, announced by Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt, Mr James Johnson, chairman of the British Medical Association, said:

"Competition in itself is not a bad thing but the government must ensure that it does not destabilise NHS services.

"The government is planning to expose the NHS to greater competition with the private sector, but has so far failed to explain satisfactorily what will happen to hospitals that cannot compete. It would be unfair if specialties such as Accident and Emergency - which the private sector has been less interested in providing - were undermined because NHS hospitals were unable to survive in a competitive market.

"We remain concerned that independent sector treatment centres will deal with the most straightforward cases while the NHS is left to treat patients with more complex problems. If there is to be competition, it must take place on a level playing field. Moreover, junior doctors need to be able to carry out simple procedures to develop their skills. We are still waiting for clarity from the government on the ways private health providers will offer training."

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