RCS England response - DHSC announcement: ‘500,000 vital NHS treatments delivered through private sector partnership’

RCS England response - DHSC announcement: ‘500,000 vital NHS treatments delivered through private sector partnership’

Mr Tim Mitchell, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) said: 

“Given the current long waiting lists for patients, it is right to use independent sector capacity to deliver more treatments. But this is not a long-term solution – we need to expand the NHS’ permanent capacity and address its ageing estate without delay.  

“In this context, it is disappointing that capital funding for the NHS will remain flat in real terms for the next three years. The forthcoming 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy must outline how the government will improve investment in NHS estates and IT.  

“Otherwise, surgeons will continue to work in outdated theatres and crumbling buildings that hamper their ability daily to get on with the job of treating patients. You can’t deliver 21st century care in 20th century facilities.  

“We also need to ensure the independent sector consistently provides training opportunities for resident doctors and look forward to this being addressed in the medical training review.” 

ENDS

Notes to editors:       

1. The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams at all stages of their careers. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research, and championing the best outcomes for patients.     

2. For more information, please contact the press office: telephone: 020 7869 6053/6054/6047; email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056.