§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will undertake measures to encourage the National Health Service to explore unused capacity in the private hospital section.
§ Mr. NewtonHealth authorities are encouraged to consider the use of non-National Health service health care provision where this would be a cost-effective way of providing NHS services. In 1986, patients from 121 health authorities received treatment from non-NHS health care institutions. As part of this year's waiting list initiative activity, health authorities have set up over 20 projects, treating approximately 2,700 patients, with non-NHS providers. In October 1987 my right hon. Friend contributed the foreword to a district health authority by district health authority directory of private acute hospitals, produced by BUPA and distributed throughout the NHS; this provided essential information for NHS managers considering the use of non-NHS facilities. We have supported two pilot schemes (in the Trent and West Midlands regions) involving BUPA in negotiating with non-NHS hospitals for the treatment of NHS patients under contract. The waiting list fund for 1988–89 has been increased from £25 million to £30 million. As part of the initiative for the coming year, we are encouraging DHAs to consider worthwhile projects which use facilities beyond their own, including the private sector.