Overview

This bill aims to address long NHS waiting lists in England by enabling patients who have waited over a year for hospital treatment to access alternative, non-NHS care. The government will fund this alternative treatment.

Description

The NHS England (Alternative Treatment) Bill mandates the Secretary of State to create a scheme providing access to non-NHS hospital treatment for patients with waiting times exceeding one year. The scheme will cover the costs of this treatment. Regulations outlining the scheme's details, including calculation of waiting times, must be drawn up within six months of the Act’s enactment and approved by Parliament. The bill applies to England and Wales.

Key Provisions:

• Provides access to non-NHS treatment for patients with over one-year waits.
• NHS England will fund the alternative treatment.
• Detailed regulations will define waiting time calculation and scheme specifics.
• Regulations require parliamentary approval.
• The bill covers England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased NHS England spending to cover the cost of providing alternative treatments for patients who have waited over a year for NHS care. The exact financial impact is not specified in the provided bill text.

Groups Affected

• NHS Patients (England): Patients waiting over a year for treatment will benefit from access to faster care.
• Private Healthcare Providers: May see increased demand and revenue as they provide treatment under the scheme.
• NHS England: Will incur additional financial costs to fund the alternative treatment options.
• Taxpayers: Will indirectly fund the increased expenditure through taxes.

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