The NHS exceeded all seven of its targets for cancer diagnosis and treatment during the last year. One patient in twenty waited more than 14 days to see a specialist after being urgently referred for suspected cancer by their GP. One patient in eight waited more than 62 days from urgent GP referral to treatment.
A survey from Cancer Research UK shows that people fear cancer more than any other serious illness. Most feared is brain cancer followed by bowel and lung cancers.
The Government today issued guidance extending the areas where GP‛s should offer patients a choice of ‛any qualified providers‛ (AQP). These will include a range of qualified providers from private and not-for-profit organisations.
A BMA survey has revealed that 60 consultants have been threatened with being taken off the books of private health insurers. It also shows that half of consultants have been challenged by insurers over their fees.
A report from the Audit Commission claims that the NHS can save up to £500million by cutting back on low clinical value treatments. It urges primary care trusts (PCTs) to cease funding for procedures which are either clinically ineffective or not cost-effective.
NHS revenue from treating private patients has stopped growing and actually fell in 2009/2010. In total, it still only represents 0.6% of NHS income for patient treatment.
The OFT today formally launched its market study into private healthcare, following consultation on its scope. Regarding Private Medical Insurance, the review will only consider its influence on private healthcare provision.
The Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries (AMII) has urged the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to look at private medical insurers’ treatment networks in their intended study into private healthcare.
Only a third of GPs routinely ask their patients if they have private medical insurance (PMI), suggests a new survey carried out by private healthcare provider BMI Healthcare. The percentage rises to 45% in London and 48% in South East England, but falls to 12% in the North East.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that, despite huge increases in NHS funding from 2001 to 2008, productivity fell by 3%. They also indicate that the fall in productivity may be accelerating.