NHS: Private Equity Debate
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Lord Patel
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(1 day, 17 hours ago)
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Baroness Merron (Lab)
Again, if there is particular information I should have, I would be delighted to receive that. I can only wholeheartedly agree with my right honourable friend the Secretary of State about the need to use capacity in the private sector. It is one of the ways we are driving down waiting lists and offering more appointments. As I am sure the noble Lord knows, we committed to 2 million extra appointments in our first year of government; we have far exceeded that already with 3.6 million.
Lord Patel (CB)
My Lords, I accept what the Minister said about how the leasing arrangements will remain the same. But can we be assured that both KKR and PHP—whichever wins the bidding war—will follow the same procedures; that is, they will be responsible for providing the equipment and the rents will not increase based on what equipment they provide, and that, therefore, patient care will remain of the highest quality?
Baroness Merron (Lab)
I thank the noble Lord for seeking that reassurance, which I can indeed give.