NHS extended choice: a resource for the corporate sector?

How many of us know that we can get “private” treatment on the NHS? Less than half, apparently. Speaking at a recent conference, Bob Ricketts, Director of NHS Systems Management, said that only 47% of patients attending GP surgeries were aware that they could now choose from a list of hospitals and that one of these choices could be a private hospital.

Since 2004, the NHS has been prepared to allow patients to have their treatment in a private hospital, provided that hospital accepts the tariff price that the NHS is prepared to pay. For some private hospitals, particularly in London, this price is not attractive; but with occupancy levels at around 50% for the average private hospital, many now see it as great opportunity to fill their beds. Of the five main private hospital groups in the UK, Nuffield, Spire (ex Bupa Hospitals) and Ramsay (which used to be Capio) are heavily committed to the NHS market.

NHS patients using private facilities can expect to get a similar service to others. They should not have to wait long to get an appointment and they should get a single room and the same food as privately funded patients. They will also benefit from the lower rates of post-operative infection compared to most public-owned facilities.

One thing that may be different is the surgeon doing the operation. The NHS pays a fixed fee including Specialist fees, and allows the hospital to select the surgeon and anaesthetist. These will generally be the NHS Consultants, but they could be similarly qualified doctors from other parts of Europe. Professionals from the near continent, particularly Germany and Scandinavia, are finding the new opportunities very attractive.

Is this of any interest to employers? It should be for two reasons. Firstly, because employees who are not eligible for inclusion in the private medical scheme may no longer need to take time off while they wait for treatment under the NHS. Secondly, because people who are in the medical scheme may be prepared to use the NHS and thus qualify for the cash benefit that is available, but rarely claimed, under most corporate plans.

Employers may want to draw attention to the new opportunities as part of the communication following the annual renewal of the medical plan. They should advise their staff to take the initiative when they see their family doctor, as GPs frequently do not take responsibility for informing their patients of what is available. Nor should employees be afraid to contact their local private hospital directly. If they are participating in the Government’s scheme they will probably be very happy to help them as much as possible.

Please contact your usual Buck consultant if you would like to discuss any aspects of your current provisions or if you would like further information regarding the broader solutions that are available.

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS OF A GENERAL NATURE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS ADVICE IN ANY SPECIFIC SITUATION

For further information, please telephone your usual contact at Buck Consultants (Healthcare):

Tel: +44 (0)118 955 7700
Fax: +44 (0)118 955 7701
Email: healthandproductivity@buckconsultants.com
Web: www.buckconsultants.co.uk
Pinnacle, 20 Tudor Road, Reading. Berkshire RG1 1NH

Buck Consultants (Healthcare) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority