Menu
21/04/2004
Private health firms to help tackle NHS waiting lists
Two private health firms have been given the go-ahead to operate on NHS patients, in a move which the government believes will help reduce waiting lists.
Nuffield Hospitals and Capio Healthcare UK have been awarded contracts to perform almost 25,000 hip, knee and other operations for the NHS in this financial year.
Nuttfield Hospitals is the largest not-for-profit independent network of hospitals in Britain with 43 hospitals. Capio Healthcare is also a leading independent health service provider, operating 21 hospitals throughout England.
Around 70% of the work will be centred on orthopaedics as the NHS was currently "not able" to deliver orthopaedic work as quickly as patients need, Health Secretary John Reid said.
Orthopaedics has proved to be "the toughest nut to crack in terms of long waits", he added.
Around 880 NHS patients in each strategic health authority will start to receive operations within weeks, in 50 independent hospitals all over the country.
Dr Reid said he was determined that no NHS patient should wait in pain when "cost-effective agreements can deliver the appropriate care".
"Today's announcement adds even more capacity to an NHS which has already seen a massive increase in capacity," he said.
"By 2005, nobody should have to wait longer than six months for an operation."
The cost for each operation and associated care is on a par with equivalent NHS prices.
The Prime Minister announced plans on 30 July last year to provide at least 125,000 extra operations over the next five years.
(gmcg)
Nuffield Hospitals and Capio Healthcare UK have been awarded contracts to perform almost 25,000 hip, knee and other operations for the NHS in this financial year.
Nuttfield Hospitals is the largest not-for-profit independent network of hospitals in Britain with 43 hospitals. Capio Healthcare is also a leading independent health service provider, operating 21 hospitals throughout England.
Around 70% of the work will be centred on orthopaedics as the NHS was currently "not able" to deliver orthopaedic work as quickly as patients need, Health Secretary John Reid said.
Orthopaedics has proved to be "the toughest nut to crack in terms of long waits", he added.
Around 880 NHS patients in each strategic health authority will start to receive operations within weeks, in 50 independent hospitals all over the country.
Dr Reid said he was determined that no NHS patient should wait in pain when "cost-effective agreements can deliver the appropriate care".
"Today's announcement adds even more capacity to an NHS which has already seen a massive increase in capacity," he said.
"By 2005, nobody should have to wait longer than six months for an operation."
The cost for each operation and associated care is on a par with equivalent NHS prices.
The Prime Minister announced plans on 30 July last year to provide at least 125,000 extra operations over the next five years.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
05 June 2015
New £2m Helipad Developed At Hospital In Devon
A new helipad has been built at Derriford Hospital in Devon. The £2 million facility will allow air ambulances to land at night. Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters can also be facilitated. The previous landing area, a grassy region with no lights, was described as "unsuitable" for larger helicopters.
New £2m Helipad Developed At Hospital In Devon
A new helipad has been built at Derriford Hospital in Devon. The £2 million facility will allow air ambulances to land at night. Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters can also be facilitated. The previous landing area, a grassy region with no lights, was described as "unsuitable" for larger helicopters.
16 March 2012
Rise In Hospital Parking Fees Criticised
New figures published have shown than more than a quarter of hospital trusts in England increased car parking charges for patients and visitors in the year to last April. While some cut prices, others more than doubled them, according to data from 197 hospitals and mental health trusts.
Rise In Hospital Parking Fees Criticised
New figures published have shown than more than a quarter of hospital trusts in England increased car parking charges for patients and visitors in the year to last April. While some cut prices, others more than doubled them, according to data from 197 hospitals and mental health trusts.
24 November 2008
Hospitals Failing To Meet Hygiene Standards
Nine out of 10 acute health trusts have failed to meet hygiene standards to reduce hospital infections, according to spot checks carried out by the NHS watchdog. The Healthcare Commission tested 51 trusts unannounced, and discovered only five adhered to Government regulations.
Hospitals Failing To Meet Hygiene Standards
Nine out of 10 acute health trusts have failed to meet hygiene standards to reduce hospital infections, according to spot checks carried out by the NHS watchdog. The Healthcare Commission tested 51 trusts unannounced, and discovered only five adhered to Government regulations.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
