Latest news from LCA...

Healthcare Commission - New regulatory Fees and Consultation over the future of Independent Healthcare
April 2008

The Healthcare Commission has written to us about their new charges and has also invited comments about the future regulation of the independent sector. Please go to the members’ area for a recent update and briefing.

BUPA and AXA/PPP Networks in Ophthalmology and Orthopaedics
- Updated April 2008

The AXA/PPP ophthalmic network is floundering in the London as very few small hospitals are currently recognised and all major independents, including Moorfields’ private wing, are not recognised. This has caused considerable distress to patients and consultants alike. It is hoped that AXA/PPP will soon be negotiating further packages with hospitals, but, at the moment, there has been no direct approach to consultants.

The BUPA network for ophthalmology has largely folded, but BUPA are now approaching groups of orthopaedic surgeons to try and set up local arrangements with specific care plans. Details of this are unclear”.

BUPA Insurance Purchases the Cromwell Hospital
- March 2008

Last year, BUPA insurance divested itself of all its hospitals, which have now changed their name to Spire Health. Spire has now altered its strategy considerably, having come out from under the BUPA umbrella. However, BUPA has just announced that it would be purchasing the Cromwell Hospital, and you may see this announcement by clicking here...

The LCA Board will be considering this matter and the implications that it has for consultants, and will be writing to London-based consultants with their view in due course. The obvious concerns are that BUPA Insurance could use this hospital to promote its agenda of directed care although we understand that BUPA have assured consultants that there is to be no change in current policy.

BUPA and PPP Networks for Ophthalmology
April 2007 - Updated July 2007

The attempt by BUPA Insurance to impose a national network for ophthalmology has stalled. The vast majority of UK ophthalmologists have rejected the BUPA tender. The overall situation is quite unclear as BUPA strategy is constantly changing. Patients may have been affected and there is some evidence that there is redirection of patients at pre-authorisation. In view of the rejection by almost all London based ophthalmologists and the London independent hospitals it seems unlikely that BUPA will be unable to enforce its network in London.

PPP are now preparing to launch some form of network arrangement for ophthalmology and details will emerge in the coming months. For more detailed information please visit the FIPO web site...

March 2007

The LCA has been very active in the last year with members meetings, dinners, secretaries meetings, appraisals and a variety of other services to individual members.

The main concerns are over the changes in both the hospital and insurance sector. Detailed Newsletters have recently gone to members and all this will be discussed at the FIPO Council meeting on 23rd May 2007 to which LCA members are invited.

To register for this meeting click here...

BUPA Insurance New “Initiatives”
March 2006

BUPA Insurance has announced a number of Initiatives, which will involve tendering for clinical services, and this aspect of their plan has begun with a MRI tender. Certain London based hospitals have been excluded from this tender. The situation here is now fluid and it is the hope of the LCA that these matters can be resolved as patients may well be inconvenienced. For more detailed in formation please click here...

The Healthcare Commission Rules of Inspection of Private Consulting Rooms
March 2006

Many consultants have had their problems during the inspection of their private consulting rooms by the Healthcare Commission. The LCA, along with others, has protested about these somewhat over-rigorous inspections. A consultation group with the Healthcare Commission has been set up and the LCA sits on that body. There are now some changes to the inspection process, which will benefit all consultants, in particular those with a NHS appointment. LCA Members please log in to read more.

Your Views

If you have any views or questions on the issues related here or anything else please send them through to our offices by clicking here. We will treat all submissions in confidence if requested.

Archive of Issues covered by LCA

We are constantly monitoring the issues that affect provate practice particularly in the London Area. To browse our archive of LCA and media covered stories... click here