Private hospitals threaten to refuse NHS patients as Labour's plan to cut waiting lists hits wall in row over costsCardiff, Wales, UK - 17 February 2025: Ambulances waiting outside the accident and emergency department of The Heath Hospital near Cardiff city centre. Picture: AlamyBy Danielle de WolfeLabour's plan to cut waiting lists by sending patients to private hospitals has hit a stumbling block amid threats to refuse NHS patients in a clash over costs. The plans, unveiled by ministers in January, involved paying private hospitals per NHS patient they take on, with the price capped. The move is set to incentivise private hospitals to provide care to as many patients as possible. Ministers said the plan forms the foundations of Labour's plan to cut NHS waiting times, with a target of 92 per cent of patients waiting fewer than 18 weeks for routine procedures by the next election.

Source: The Times March 03, 2025 09:17 UTC