Private hospitals will be sent NHS patients on strike days

THE NHS will send patients to private hospitals to receive treatment this week as up to 100,000 nurses go on strike, The Sunday Telegraph can disclose.

Hospitals on a list of 76 NHS sites that will be affected by industrial action are in talks with local private providers, which are expected to carry out procedures to avoid worsening backlogs.

The plan is part of contingency measures put in place for nurses’ strike days on Dec 15 and 20, and ambulance strikes on Dec 21 and 28.

Hospitals have been told to make patients aware of any changes to their procedures early this week, including if the location has moved to a private provider. The cost of operations conducted in the private sector will ultimately be borne by the NHS, and is likely to produce a significant bill for taxpayers.

But NHS trusts are concerned that cancelling routine procedures altogether will only add to the recordbreaking backlog from the pandemic.

More than seven million people in Britain are waiting for treatment, including 400,000 who have waited more than a year.

The plan to use private hospitals comes after the first meeting of the Government’s elective recovery taskforce, which has been charged with finding ways to reduce backlogs, this week.

Experts have been told to find ways to “maximise” the private sector to reduce waiting lists and make recommendations to ministers early next year.

Miriam Deakin, director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, said: “Trusts will explore all avenues to keep as many services for NHS patients running as possible. That includes working with colleagues in the independent sector and other partners to offer more capacity on strike days, where they can.”

While some trusts are preparing to commission private facilities, other bosses are concerned independent providers will also face a shortage because many staff work in both sectors.

The Royal College of Nursing has ringfenced staff for chemotherapy, critical care, kidney dialysis, paediatric intensive care and neonatal services during the strikes.

Last night it was reported that health bosses are planning to draft in volunteers to ease pressures on the NHS this winter.

A leaked document reported by The Observer said the health service is “highly likely” to deteriorate further this winter due to strikes and cold weather.