Private companies should reveal NHS profits, says union

Source: Exec

Date :05/11/2007 09:53:21

The UK’s largest trade union is calling for private companies to make public their earnings from NHS contracts as thousands of NHS workers and patients prepare to march in central London.

Unite say that commercial confidentiality means that few details are available to evaluate if private companies are providing value for money in the NHS.

Unite say that the only government figures available on non-NHS provision of healthcare is £4.1 billion for 2004-05 which accounts for 5.6 percent of total NHS spend for that period.

This figure includes contracts let to the private sector, local authorities and not-for-profit. It does not include long standing arrangements relating to general medical, pharmaceutical and optical services and the purchasing of supplies. It also excludes the cost of GPs, pharmaceutical and supply contracts.

Lacking focus

Unite are opposed to privatisation of public services because of the lack of accountability and democratic oversight, saying that none of the NHS reforms involving privatisation have been through Parliament, despite the fact that many of the changes involve fundamental changes to the NHS.

Derek Simpson, Joint General Secretary of Unite trade union, said: "We want real and effective monitoring of NHS private contracts to establish whether or not they are providing value for money, delivering efficient services and offering the best in patient care. We also want to know exactly what profits private companies are earning from NHS contracts.

"Until these things are established no further private sector contracts should be awarded in the NHS and the plan to open up the commissioning of services to the private sector should certainly be halted."

November 5 2007