Private solution to NHS wait
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.HEART patients who have been waiting for surgery at a Manchester hospital for a year or more are to be taken to Glasgow for operations at a private hospital, it was announced yesterday.
The move is part of an initiative to speed up treatment for heart patients in the north-west of England and marks another stage in the growing partnerships between the National Health Service and the private sector.
Although it is not unusual for NHS patients to be treated in local private hospitals near their homes, few health authorities have purchased long-distance care in this way, largely because of inconvenience to patients and their families, and the health risks of travelling.
A spokesman for the North West Regional Health Authority, formed when Mersey and Manchester Regions joined forces earlier this year, said it was a 'one-off initiative' to give immediate treatment to patients who had been on the waiting list at Manchester Royal Infirmary for the longest.
'It will cost no more than it would to operate on them in an NHS hospital,' he said.
The 25 patients who all need coronary artery by-pass grafts will be given free transport to and from Glasgow with medical care as appropriate.
Labour's health spokeswoman, Dawn Primarolo, last night criticised the health authority's decision. 'This is a Trojan horse technique - an extreme example of creeping privatisation.' Mrs Primarolo said she intended to take up the matter with Virginia Bottomley, Secretary of State for Health.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments