A record 7.21 million people are waiting for NHS treatment in England,
NHS trusts with record waiting lists are promoting “quick and easy” private healthcare services at their own hospitals, offering patients the chance to jump year-long queues. Health experts warn of the risk of creating a “two-tier” health service.
David Rowland, director of the Centre for Health and the Public Interest, said while it was “potentially justifiable” for trusts to offer private services when the NHS was not under strain, it was “ethically very dubious” during a crisis.
Hospitals are offering hip replacements from £10,000, cataract surgery for £2,200 and hernia repairs for £2,500. MRI scans are offered for between £300 and £400.
The premium treatments are being offered through private patient units owned and operated by NHS trusts and located on hospital premises. Procedures are often carried out by the same staff who would eventually treat patients if they stayed on the NHS waiting list.
East Sussex healthcare NHS trust, MRI scans are carried out within 48 hours for £379, according to a recent Instagram promotion. The trust has more than 7,800 patients waiting for diagnostic tests.
Great Western hospitals NHS trust in Wiltshire offers private healthcare through a 20-bed unit, the Shalbourne suite.
Kingston hospital NHS trust in south-west London, offers “rapid access” with “no long waiting lists”. Treatments include hip replacements for £10,100. Patients are cared for by “experienced NHS nursing staff”.
Revealed: NHS trusts tell patients they can go private and jump hospital queues | NHS | The Guardian
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