Private hospitals: We want more NHS cash

PRIVATE hospitals are demanding more money from the NHS to help the government bring down waiting lists.

- MARTIN BAGOT

Keir Starmer's landmark deal with private healthcare firms is at risk of collapse as they threaten to pull out in objection to a cap on the amount they can earn from the NHS.

Campaigners have branded the move “profiteering” and want the government to use the funds to build up in-house NHS capacity instead of paying profit-making companies.

The Independent Healthcare Providers Network, which represents the private sector in dealing with the NHS, warned Health Secretary Wes Streeting they will walk away from the deal if their earning potential is capped, the Times has reported.

Cat Hobbs, of campaign group We Own It, said: "This is why the government should be investing directly in expanding NHS capacity.