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Competition between private providers to supplement and/complement NHS services in the context of rising demand is one thing. Competition between NHS providers and the much-for-profit sector is another proposition. In the latter case contracting is a journey for the commercial provider incrementally realising additional margin from a 'captive' client whether it is through reducing working conditions for TUPE'd staff or VO's or inventing additional services not specified in the contract.
There is exceptional NHS naivety about how the private sector operates and it is no surprise that Mr Fawcett is excited that the government is thinking of turning the tap of privatisation on full.