Letters
Independent sector treatment centres: experience and spin
BMJ 2006; 332 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.332.7544.796-a (Published 30 March 2006) Cite this as: BMJ 2006;332:796
- Simon P Kelly, consultant ophthalmologist (spkelly@ntlworld.com)
- Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust, Bolton BL4 OJR
EDITOR—Independent sector treatment centres were recently praised by the Department of Health.1 Ophthalmologists have highlighted the problems experienced and predicted for cataract centres.2–4 The government argument that independent centres provide value for money in elective surgery is unconvincing because it considers “spot purchasing” costs of “waiting list initiatives” rather than the costs of planned NHS care.1 Procurement may drain the NHS of funds that might otherwise be invested in comprehensive care …
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