HC Deb 20 October 1989 vol 158 cc275-6W
Mr. Sillars

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the administrative cost to both the National Health Service and the SHHD of the new invoicing system created between the Scottish lithotriptor centre and customer boards.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The invoicing system is a pilot scheme which still has some months to run.

Mr. Sillars

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what fees are to be charged to private patients for treatment at the Scottish lithotriptor centre; and what proportion of fee will be paid to consultants.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

This information is not held centrally. The charging of fees to private patients is entirely a matter for Lothian health board and for the consultants concerned.

Mr. Sillars

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his assessment of the number of private patients treated monthly at the Scottish lithotriptor centre.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

I have made no such assessment. Lothian health board is fully aware that treatment of private patients must not interrupt the service to NHS patients.

Mr. Sillars

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland under what statutory powers the SHHD acted when instructing that the Scottish lithotriptor centre be self-funding in 1989–90.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The new arrangements for funding the lithotriptor were introduced administratively after discussions with health boards.

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