§ 30. Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to encourage joint ventures between the NHS and the private sector.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe National Health Service Executive has an on-going programme of work to promote the private finance initiative and encourage joint ventures between the NHS and the private sector. This has so far involved
Issuing clear guidance about procedures to be followed and how to make a business case using appropriate investment appraisal techniques;Providing advice direct to private sector and NHS enquirers, and making direct personal contact with NHS and private sector parties;Organising "roadshows" for NHS trust finance directors, and others, explaining the Private Finance Initiative and the opportunties in the NHS;Ministerial and senior officials' speeches to encourage both NHS and private sector;Publishing publicity material—such as the brochure pack "Public Service, Private Finance" (over 1000 copies issued to NHS and private sector contacts, with requests for over 1000 more since launch);Setting up and managing the Newchurch Database project, to increase contacts between the NHS and the private sector and encourage people to explore the possibility of using private finance by spreading knowledge of projects that have already been undertaken by NHS trusts and health authorities.Setting up the Private Finance Unit. The remit of the Private Finance Unit is to promote the Private Finance Initiative throughout the NHS and to help trusts and health authorities make greater use of private finance.