§ Rev. William McCreaTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has further to involve the private sector in the provision of health services. [10569]
§ Mr. MossThe provision of health services is the responsibility of the Department of Health and Social Services and will remain so. The private sector routinely provides goods and services to support care and treatment, and supplies necessary capital works and equipment. In addition the provision of care and treatment may be procured on a patient's behalf from private or voluntary providers, where this represents the most economical, efficient and effective solution. With regard to any extension of private sector involvement, there are no plans which have this as their objective. It may arise indirectly as part of the Government's private finance initiative; from the White Paper, "Competing for Quality"; or from purchasing decisions by health boards or GP fundholders in light of the patient's need for the best available treatment.