Overview

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

Description

The NHS England (Alternative Treatment) Bill mandates the creation of a scheme allowing patients in England waiting more than one year for NHS hospital treatment to access alternative, non-NHS care. The Secretary of State will create regulations defining the scheme, including processes for accessing and paying for this alternative treatment and calculating waiting times. NHS England will fund the cost of this delayed treatment. These regulations must be approved by Parliament and implemented within six months of the Act coming into force. The Act will apply to England and Wales and will come into effect three months after Royal Assent.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government spending, although the exact figure is not specified in the bill itself. The cost of funding the alternative treatment for patients will be borne by NHS England. The actual financial impact will depend on the number of patients eligible for the scheme and the cost of the alternative treatments provided.

Groups Affected

• NHS Patients (England): Patients waiting over a year for treatment will benefit from access to faster care through non-NHS providers.
• Non-NHS Hospitals and Providers: These entities will potentially gain new patients and revenue.
• NHS England: Will experience increased financial burden due to the cost of funding alternative treatments.
• Taxpayers: Will ultimately fund the increased expenditure through taxation.

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