NHS Patients Going Private: What Are the Risks?, 8 April 2024, BBC One, “Panorama”

With over 500,000 NHS patients being treated in private hospitals each year, Panorama investigates the risks and consequences of this growing trend. The episode airing on Monday 8 April delves into the concerns surrounding patient safety, the impact on the NHS, and the potential pitfalls for those seeking private treatment.

The programme raises questions about the safety of private hospitals and the role of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in regulating them. It highlights cases where patients have been harmed or put at risk due to issues such as inadequate post-operative care, lack of intensive care facilities, and poor data reporting. The CQC’s inspection regime comes under scrutiny, with critics arguing that it fails to provide adequate assurance of patient safety.

The episode also explores the financial implications of private healthcare. With the rise in NHS referrals to private hospitals, there are fears of a two-tier system where access to vital care is dictated by wealth. The programme investigates the impact of underinvestment in the NHS, which has led to longer waiting times and an increased reliance on private providers.

Additionally, the episode examines the experiences of patients who have been refused treatment on the NHS and encouraged to go private. It includes interviews with patients who have had to pay for private treatment, as well as NHS staff who feel pressured to suggest private options due to overwhelming demand. The ethical implications of this trend are discussed, including the potential erosion of the NHS and the impact on patients who cannot afford private care.

Panorama also investigates the quality of care provided by private hospitals, questioning whether they are equipped to handle complex cases. The episode features contributions from experts and patient groups who share their concerns about the privatisation of healthcare and its potential impact on patient safety and equality of access.

The episode promises to offer a comprehensive and insightful examination of the risks and challenges associated with NHS patients turning to private hospitals for treatment.

Panorama: NHS Patients Going Private: What Are the Risks? airs on Monday, 8 April 2024, at 8:00 pm on BBC One.