Diagnostic and Treatment Centres (DTCs)

Several LCA members were present at a major conference held by FIPO on 7th October 2003 to discuss Diagnostic and Treatment Centres (DTCs – now called Independent Sector Treatment Centres ISTCs) and their impact on the NHS, the independent sector and the profession. Of considerable concern was the potential implications for patients and the need for quality control and clinical governance.

The preferred bidders come from seven overseas companies and all are new entrants to the market. The UK independent sector hospital groups were unsuccessful in their bids with none awarded any contract for the first 22 centres and 2 mobile units, which will provide services around the country. There are plans for some new ISTCs in the London area and there is no doubt that these will impact on consultant workloads both in the NHS and independent sector. The LCA will be planning more meetings to discuss the profession’s response (London in particular) to this new threat and opportunity.

For more details on the recent FIPO conference click here...

 

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