Originally Posted by
Mibbes Aye
One would hope it was in the public domain and as it seems you can use the Internet, perhaps you would be so kind :greengrin. But okay then.......
I think we both know it was likely to be largely on using private providers to try and meet the key targets, almost certainly mostly treatment times. And failing. And again I think we both know that this is about a whole-system problem, not one particular area. As the NHS Lothian and NHS Highland figures are not in the public domain it is impossible to give an accurate proportion. However, NHSL has one of the worst records in failing to meet targets, whilst also having perhaps the easiest supply of private providers. NHSH’s problems are different in that it will use hugely significant amounts of locum and agency. I think the true figure must be pushing on for c£200m, which I suspect equates to the bail-out or ‘brokerage’ monies, which would mean the taxpayer was actually paying twice for the spend on profit-making providers.
I think you have said before that you had a career in the NHS or the civil service pertaining to health and I have tried to say before that I am not seeking to criticise you or colleagues. There is however a fundamental fracture in the relationship between acute care, primary care, social care and public expectation. And the current administration have had enough time to try and do something about that. But it is not appearing to get any better. And the demographic pressure just keeps building.