Leaked Government blue-print hints at charges on some hospital services
The public may soon have to pay more for NHS dental treatments and some hospital services if a Government blueprint gets the go ahead, according to The Times, which has gained access to the leaked Government document.
The newspaper said that as the document states services should be 'largely comprehensive and overwhelmingly free' this could be an indication of charges on some NHS treatments.
The document, allegedly part of Labour's next election manifesto, also discusses the idea of a voucher system for those caring for the elderly and suggests parts of the NHS should be franchised out to private companies.
Louise Zucchi, media relations manager at Norwich Union, said: 'From a healthcare point of view we would not be surprised if this happened. In France, for example, you have to pay to see a GP and it is not unheard of to pay for additional services. People are used to paying to see a doctor or dentist. This is another sign that the NHS has got to change. Money has got to come from somewhere. Looking abroad, they spend more money per capita on healthcare, but money comes from the private sector.'
Mike Hall, chief executive of Standard Life Healthcare, commended the idea of certain hospitals being franchised out, saying the future of the NHS will be reliant on private sector help.
He said: 'We welcome the news that 'failing' NHS hospitals will benefit from the expertise of NHS executives that have been more successful in hitting Government targets. The NHS created in 1948 is very different to the NHS of today, and consideration should be given to utilising the talent that exists in the private sector to ensure the effective and efficient management of hospitals in the 21st century.
'I hope the Government keeps an open mind on how to steer the NHS towards a position of future strength as this will not be attainable without private sector involvement.'
