§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if private health scheme customers can benefit from the use of NHS facilities and medical care; and if he will make a statement. [83458]
§ Mr. HuttonThe first priority of national health service bodies is to treat NHS patients. However, as a way of raising additional income, NHS bodies are permitted to provide accommodation and services privately to patients who undertake to pay for them, or on whose behalf such undertakings are given, provided this does not interfere with their NHS duties. These patients may include customers of private health schemes.