A review of the NHS has said the Freedom of Information Act should be applied consistently to all services provided by the NHS, including private companies who are using public money.
GP Magazine report:
The review makes 30 recommendations including making all providers of NHS services subject to ‘freedom of information requirements’ on a ‘consistent basis’.
It said the government should ‘rapidly extend access to the NHS pension scheme’ for all staff moving from a public provider to other NHS-funded ‘clinical’ providers. VAT refunds should also be applied to some charitable NHS-funded health care providers, the report recommended.
Health minister Lord Howe said: ‘We are committed to making sure that patients can access services delivered by the best possible providers.