GWH chief backs call for more private care income (From Swindon Advertiser)

GWH chief backs call for more private care income

9:00am Friday 10th February 2012 in News By Katie Bond

GREAT Western Hospital’s medical director has supported plans for hospitals to get a bigger slice of private care income.

As part of David Cameron’s NHS shake-up, hospitals like the GWH would get up to 49 per cent of their income from private patients after it was argued that it would bring in millions of pounds for better services.

Dr Alf Troughton was among 53 medical directors who insisted there were sound medical and clinical reasons for lifting the cap, which is currently 1.6 per cent at the GWH.

In a letter to The Times, they wrote: “This will enable foundation trusts to bring much-needed additional resources into health organisations to benefit NHS patients.

“These could include developing innovative treatments and services – such as complex paediatric treatment, robotic surgery and employer-funded mental health treatment – and, in this difficult financial climate, providing services for NHS patients that are being rationed, including IVF.

“Without it, the health service will lose millions of pounds of potential income and the opportunity to expand and develop clinical services.”

Speaking yesterday, Dr Troughton said ultimately the main concern was to provide the best care possible for patients.

“The trust currently has a private patient unit which contributes to just below 1.6 per cent of our clinical income,” he said.

“All of the profits from this is reinvested in our NHS services so patients benefit from this income in the form of new equipment and enhanced services.

“All NHS organisations are facing big challenges to continue to improve the quality and safety of the services they offer, but within limited funding.

“While we have no plans to significantly expand our private patient unit, we will consider, as we should, any opportunities for partnership and new ways of working should they arise.”

Last year, the 1.6 per cent cap at GWH equated to £4.2m, however the private patient income was just £3m.