Comment: NHS shake-up merits scrutiny

Jul 16 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

SHOULD there be an independent inquiry into the privatisation of part of the NHS in Liverpool? That is the question occupying the minds of MPs serving on the All Party Parliamentary Group on Skin.

It will no doubt come as a surprise to some to learn that such a group exists at all; perhaps, sceptics might argue, at a time of economic crisis, rising costs and plunging house prices, there are more important issues that MPs could be debating?

But the fact remains that there are serious unanswered questions surrounding this services.

There is the allegation that some GPs in Liverpool had a financial stake in companies that bid for dermatology contracts last year. And there is also the potential threat to specialist care due to the re-direction of budgets by privatising non-surgical dermatology services, like eczema, acne, and allergies.

The MPs say they are concerned that patients with more severe conditions could actually end up receiving less specialist care as a result of this privatisation.

Liverpool Primary Care Trust (PCT), which pays for local health services and oversaw the contracting out of work, has robustly defended the actions; interestingly, it is also reviewing its competition policy.

But this is a complex issue and one which, for patients, is bound to be frustrating in the extreme so MPs are right to highlight the potential implications. This is a reform which could impact on people’s healthcare, and which users of the service are bound to be anxious to know more.

As the NHS celebrates its 60th anniversary – and as we reflect on its achievements – it is only right that we question where it is headed and how it can best meet the challenges head on.

An investigation into the Liverpool situation, as suggested by these MPs, where openness and accountability are key themes, is something that should not only be considered; it should be welcomed.