Time to come clean on the private sector

A speech by Nuffield Hospitals chief executive David Mobbs has exposed growing frustration among independent providers at uncertainty over the direction of reform (see full story here).

Highlighting the skill with which Tony Blair’s government marshalled the independent sector not to compete with the NHS but improve it, Mr Mobbs accused the government of subsequently thwarting ambition with endless bureaucracy and a lack of commitment to choice.

The role of independent providers under Gordon Brown is one of the most opaque areas of health policy. The desire of health secretary Alan Johnson to avoid getting drawn into such a discussion in advance of the party and TUC conferences is testament to the issue’s sensitivity. But Mr Johnson needs to come clean on the government’s thinking.