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NHS services may be privatised

- published in Willesden & Brent Times, September 9th, 2010

Minister Paul Burstow speaking (Picture by Jan Nevill)


Private companies could produce services for the NHS provided that they meet quality standards, a health minister said.

Minister for care services, Paul Burstow visited St Charles Mental Health Centre on Exmoor Street, Kensington, as part of a nation-wide consultation process.

He wants to hear the views of staff on the coalition Government's proposal to make big changes to the NHS, which includes plans to allow patients to choose their GPs and treatments, and for services to be privatised.

He said: "What we've said is that any willing provider who meets both the quality standards and the economic standards set out by Monitor, the economic regulator of the system, will be able to come into the market place in the NHS and offer services. [more]