The Christie consults on potential increase in private patient work

The consultation comes ahead of publication, scheduled for 2 April 2012, of a new strategy for the specialist cancer hospital, dubbed 20:20 Vision, which it says is intended to “further develop and improve Christie services and remain strong in the changing economic climate”.

Questions in the consultation include:

• “If your GP thought you might have cancer, would you want to have your tests at The Christie to confirm if it was cancer?”
• “Where possible, would you want to have your treatment from The Christie on our main site or through a Christie centre closer to home?”
• “Do you think we should do more work with private patients to increase resources for our NHS services?”

Speaking to Health Service Journal earlier this year, Christie chief executive Caroline Shaw said it was considering plans which could see it open branded treatment and diagnostic centres across England, alongside private sector provider HCA International, its partner in the joint venture running its private patient unit.