How private could the NHS go?
How involved should the private sector be in the day-to-day
running of the NHS?
File on 4, Radio 4, Tuesday 17th October at 20:00 BST
Listen, download or podcast at
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To some any private involvement is unwelcome, but to others
it is a cost effective way forward.
The Government has so far set no limit on private
corporations involved in the NHS.
File on 4's Gerry Northam looks at the record of private
companies so far and asks whether there should be any limit.
Some GPs surgeries are now being taken over by private
companies.
At present the few practices that are run privately are the
exception rather than the rule.
Ministers have indicated they want more private and
voluntary sector involvement in NHS community services.
To date, private firms have largely been interested in
providing hospital services for the NHS.
By 2008 they are expected to carry out one in 10
non-emergency operations
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