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 Secretary of State to create a scheme offering alternative hospital treatment to NHS patients in England with waiting times exceeding one year.

Key Aspects:

• The scheme will cover the cost of treatment outside the NHS.
• Regulations will define how waiting times are calculated.
• Funding for the scheme will come from NHS England.
• Regulations must be created within six months of the Act's implementation and require parliamentary approval.
• The bill applies to England and Wales.
• The bill will come into effect three months after Royal Assent.

Government Spending

The bill will result in increased government spending via NHS England to fund alternative treatments for patients. The exact amount is not specified in the bill, but it will depend on the number of patients needing alternative treatment and the cost of that treatment.

Groups Affected

Groups affected include:

• NHS Patients in England: Patients waiting over a year for treatment will benefit from access to quicker care, potentially at private hospitals or other non-NHS providers.
• NHS England: Will experience increased financial burdens to fund the alternative treatment scheme.
• Private Healthcare Providers: May see an increase in demand for their services.

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