Press release: NHS Partners Network comments on ISTC contract decision

09 Apr 2008

Commenting on the Department of Health's announcement on ISTCs, NHS Partners Network director David Worskett, said:

"NHSPN welcomes the final go ahead for three more ISTCs, which will bring real patient benefits in the regions concerned and increase the amount of genuine choice available within the NHS.

"We also look forward to decisions on the remaining four schemes as soon as possible. 'Local ownership' is important and we believe all the schemes deserve - and will have - strong local support based on putting the interests of patients first."

Notes for editors

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.

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.

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.

Contact details

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