HC Deb 14 February 1995 vol 254 cc789-90
11. Mr. Whittingdale

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her policy towards the private health care sector; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Sackville

We welcome effective co-operation between the NHS and the independent health care sector wherever it benefits patients.

Mr. Whittingdale

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that answer. Does he welcome the increasing extent to which trusts and health authorities are taking advantage of the facilities and expertise of the private health care sector to treat NHS patients, as is happening at the Oaks hospital in Colchester? Does he agree that that leads to a more efficient use of resources and benefits not only patients, but the NHS as a whole?

Mr. Sackville

Yes, wherever the private sector is able to offer expertise or better value for money, we must take advantage of it. To do otherwise would be to disadvantage NHS patients.

Mr. Rooker

Is the private sector in health care being limited to l per cent.?

Mr. Sackville

The private sector often gives very good value for money. Where that occurs, it would be quite immoral not to take advantage. If we followed the Labour party's advice and refused to do that for ideological reasons, only patients would suffer.

Mr. Bellingham

Will my hon. Friend the Minister find time today to consider the private Sandringham hospital which is located adjacent to the local NHS trust hospital in my constituency? Is my hon. Friend aware that the Sandringham hospital is paying a substantial rent to the NHS trust as well as sharing key medical facilities? Is that not an example of the need for a partnership between the public and private sectors? Will my hon. Friend educate his opposite number and explain that the partnership means saving money for the NHS, treating more patients and getting money at the sharp end?

Mr. Sackville

There are many examples of good co-operation and I am glad to add the Sandringham hospital to that list. We certainly encourage health authorities and trusts to find whatever ways they can to take full advantage of the expertise that the private sector has to offer.