Brit NHS Offering External Care Choices

(UK) The National Health Service in Britain appears to be taking baby steps toward privatization.

From April 2012, NHS patients will be able to choose from a range of qualified providers when referred by their GP for treatment, the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has announced.

Accused immediately of privatising NHS care, Lansley said that more choice for patients would mean they could get the service provider best able to meet their needs and it would help to drive up the quality of services for everyone. The providers of these could be from the NHS providers, the private sector or voluntary or third sector organizations.

More choice, eh?