London NHS Crisis

The effects of the UK borrowing policy are likely to be felt in the NHS. Cuts in public spending have been planned in order to repay the country's debt. There is debate about how the private medical insurance market will be able to help in the event of a crisis.

According to a new report published by the British Medical Association (BMA) hospital services are under threat in of closure in London as the city moves towards a 'major financial and organisational crisis.'

The report claims that patients will really loose out if the proposed cuts go through. The aim is for as many patients as possible to be dealt with at polyclinics. Polyclinics provide outpatient care at a more local area to the patient. It is not known exactly how many hospitals will close as a result moving patients towards this kind of care.

Dr Kevin O'Kane, chairman of the BMA's London regional council , said:

'While we recognise that there are problems with healthcare delivery in London, we are extremely worried that plans to cut services are being kept secret. We are calling for full disclosure of the proposals so that there can be a public debate. This is vital so that Londoners can have their say about local cuts and take a wider view of what is happening to the NHS.

'The truth is that most Londoners have no idea of what is happening to their health service. If people realised that we are heading towards financial meltdown involving cuts in bed numbers and hospitals closing or being down-graded, they would demand the opportunity to make their voices heard about these plans.

'London's doctors want to provide patients with world class healthcare but this is virtually impossible when doctors and patients are being kept in the dark about proposals.'

It remains to be seen how cutbacks are handled and the effect they will have on the NHS. Its possible that the private sector will step in with cost effective solutions.

If the public loose faith in the NHS then health insurance may look like a more attractive proposition. Private health insurance companies are likely to see a rise in applications.