Monday 16th January 2012
The plan to let NHS hospitals earn 49% of income from treating private patients will lead to longer NHS waiting lists and a two-tier health service says Bolton South East MP, Yasmin Qureshi.
The Prime Minister’s plan, announced in the Lords just before the Christmas break, threatens to turn England’s hospitals into US-style hospitals, pitting one against another in a competitive market and putting profits before patient care.
Yasmin Qureshi MP said:
“People will be shocked to discover that the Government is allowing NHS hospitals to devote half their beds, appointments and car park spaces to the treatment of private patients. David Cameron’s plan opens the door to an explosion of private work in NHS facilities, meaning longer waits for NHS patients and a two-tier health service in England.
“This 49% plan is the starkest sign yet of how our NHS will change if the Bill gets passed. In time, England’s hospitals could become like US hospitals, putting pursuit of profits before patient care.
“This Bill is a privatisation plan for the NHS. Time is running out for the NHS and we urgently need to alert people to what is happening.”