17.12.14
NHS contracts going to private providers
Source: Dominic Morgan
Is the aim of the NHS to be a nationalised organisation, or is it:
- that it meet the needs of everyone
- that it be free at the point of delivery
- that it be based on clinical need, not ability to pay
as originally defined by Aneurin Bevan?
If the most effective way of doing that is through a private company, what is the problem?
I've seen horrendous inefficiencies in the NHS which simply wouldn't exist in the private sector. Why not pick the best service for the job, regardless of whether it is private or nationalised?
My picture of the NHS is one staffed by great, dedicated people, but hamstrung by short-term, inefficient financial constraints, and a lack of clear leadership and an ever-changing strategy. Why should clinicians have to spend so much time putting forward business cases, arguments and paperwork for their essential services instead of helping patients? Do we ask pilots to also bid for the best service to maintain their planes instead of flying them? Of course we don't. Focus on their core skills and let them do these skills to the best of their ability, supported by the right structure around them.
Let’s focus on getting the best care for patients, and not get hung up on insisting this care is only provided from a nationalised system.
Re: NHS facing ‘creeping privatisation’