Health Bill 'a privatisation plan'

 

 

 

The Government's health service reforms will pave the way for NHS hospitals to earn up to half of their income from private work, Labour has claimed.

 

Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham attacked the Government's mandate to press ahead with changes to the NHS outlined in its Health and Social Care Bill, labelling the reforms a "privatisation plan".

 

Speaking during Commons health questions, Mr Burnham said: "Nobody voted for this Bill. It was ruled out by the Coalition Agreement and it is now the unelected House deciding the future of the NHS, passing amendments that he was too scared to table in here.

 

"Will the minister today have the courage to admit that it is now the Government's intention to allow NHS hospitals to make 49% of their income and effectively devote half of their beds to the treatment of private patients?"

 

Health Minister Simon Burns replied he believed Mr Burnham's analysis of the support for the Bill was "flawed".

 

He said: "Of course he will appreciate that the cap only applies to foundation trusts, not to non-foundation trusts, is no different today as it will be after the modernisation and it was a policy that his government brought in."

 

Mr Burnham hit back saying the policy would "never ever" have come forward under a Labour government.

 

He said: "People can finally see this Bill for what it is, a privatisation plan for the NHS. England's hospitals will never be the same again if it gets through.

 

"An explosion of private work, longer waits for NHS patients, profits before patient care."

 

Mr Burns responded: "This Government has no intention and will not privatise the NHS. We want to improve patient outcomes and the patient experience." Press Association