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NAO Health Investigation: Are Patients and Taxpayers getting the best deal?

October 28, 2003 9:12 AM

Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, today questioned whether patients are getting the best health care and whether taxpayers are getting the best deal from the NHS.

Paul Burstow's comments are in response to reports that the National Audit Office (NAO) is investigating allegations that NHS hospitals are losing millions of pounds to subsidise the treatment of private patients in so-called "pay beds".

Paul Burstow MP said:

"Patients deserve the best care, and taxpayers deserve the best deal. With this Government it is questionable whether we are getting either.

"It is unclear whether "pay beds" actually provide a net profit for hospitals when all the hidden costs, like nursing time, are taken into account.

"The NHS does not have enough beds or staff, so the income from pay beds is not worth the loss of capacity which they represent. It is quite right for the National Audit Office to investigate this."

ENDS

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