The Government is keen to increase the number of NHS patients treated by private healthcare provider...
The Government is keen to increase the number of NHS patients treated by private healthcare providers in the UK, despite positive reports on patients' experiences when sent abroad for treatment.
An independent study into the Government's pilot scheme of sending NHS patients overseas has suggested the scheme would be popular if it were extended.
The report by York Health Economics Consortium revealed four out of five patients sent abroad were 'very satisfied' with their experience. Only three of the 190 patients said their experience was unsatisfactory, mainly with the NHS follow-up.
Following European Court of Justice (ECJ) rulings in July 2001, patients in the UK are entitled to receive hospital care in other countries in the European Economic Area (EEA).
However, the Department of Health (DOH) has played down the idea this could lead to thousands heading abroad for treatment. A spokesperson said: 'We are keen to increase capacity in the NHS and through the private sector in this country, in preference to sending people abroad. If local NHS trusts feel it would solve waiting list issues, that is an option for them.'
Overall, patients in the scheme said it should be extended across the NHS although they recommended improvements, including better travel arrangements, access to interpreters and more comprehensive follow-up care in England.
The report said: 'Generally, patients were eager to have the treatment by participating in the Overseas Patients Scheme, rather than wait longer for treatment in England.'
l For more news on developments of NHS partnerships with the private sector, turn to page eight.
