NHS staff going private - Lib Dem research reveals
October 11, 2009 12:00 AM
The NHS has spent £1.5m on private health treatment for staff over the last three years, research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed.
The figures, released in answer to Freedom of Information requests, shows that over 3,000 staff have received private treatment since 2006.
The figures reveal that:
In 2006/07, 708 staff received private treatment at a cost of £279,335
In 2007/08, 988 staff received private treatment at a cost of £470,859
In 2008/09, 1,641 staff received private treatment at a cost of £828,413
Over the last three years, 3,337 members of staff were treated at a cost of £1,578,607
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb said:
"It makes sense for the NHS to want to get doctors and nurses back to work as quickly as possible but these figures will be little comfort for those people stuck on waiting lists trying to get access to treatment.
"If the NHS thinks it necessary to pay for private treatment for its staff to jump waiting lists then it raises serious questions about whether the current system is working as it should.
"I'm not surprised that so many Trusts have to contract in private companies to provide for physiotherapy, counselling and therapy as they are often woefully under resourced. The sad reality of our health service today is that if you happen to suffer from an illness not covered by a government target then you will often have to wait months for the care you need.
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