15 Nov 2007
Commenting on the statement, Richard Jones, chairman of the NHS Partners Network, said:
"We are naturally disappointed that the scale of the next stage of this programme is going to be smaller than originally planned.
"We welcome, however, the government's broader commitment to the involvement of the independent sector in public health provision, and the further work that will now be done to take this forward.
"The ISTC programme is still in its early stages and needs more time to prove itself. We are clear that, where implemented properly, choice works - with the independent sector working alongside GPs and PCTs to deliver real benefits for patients.
"The independent sector will continue to support the government's efforts to widen choice and the range of providers, in the interests of continuing to improve public healthcare."
ENDS
1. NHS Partners Network is an alliance of independent - both commercial and not-for-profit healthcare providers commissioned by the NHS to provide elective and diagnostic care to NHS patients free at the point of delivery. It was established in 2005 and became part of the NHS Confederation in June 2007.
2. Members of NHS Partners Network: Alliance Medical, Capio, Circle, Clinicenta, Care UK/Mercury Health, Netcare UK, Nuffield Hospitals, Partnership Health Group, Spire Healthcare and UK Specialist Hospitals.
3. The NHS Confederation represents more than 95% of the organisations that make up the NHS. Its members include the majority of NHS acute trusts, ambulance trusts, foundation trusts, mental health trusts, primary care trusts, special health authorities and strategic health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.
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Last reviewed 22 Nov 2007