Despite considerable evidence showing that independent sector treatment centres (ISTCs) do not offer value for money and may destabilise existing local health services, the BMA is dismayed to learn that the government has given the go-ahead to some of the remaining private sector schemes in England.

Dr Jonathan Fielden, chairman of the BMA's consultants committee said: "There has been substantial evidence showing that ISTCs do not offer value for money and can destabilise local health services, yet the government has ignored the evidence and proceeded with its delayed programme.

"Many of the existing schemes have not delivered on their contracts because the need for extra capacity was poorly assessed or quality was questionable. Now the NHS finds itself locked into lengthy deals, which are paid for regardless of activity, with later expensive 'buy-back' schemes for unused buildings.

"We are disappointed that the government has still not learnt that there are better ways of spending NHS money and would urge local health trusts to think very carefully before signing deals with the private sector in the future. The independent sector should only be used when the NHS cannot provide the service locally, quality can be assured, and when it is truly value for money."

British Medical Association