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Independent Treatment Centres

Volume 457: debated on Wednesday 7 March 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 8 November 2006, Official Report, columns 1824-25W, on independent treatment centres, what the utilisation rate of independent sector treatment centres was in each month since June 2006. (123032)

The information requested is shown in the table.

2006

Independent sector treatment centre utilisation (percentage)

June

85

July

87

August

84

September

83

Notes:

1. Figures include the mobile ophthalmology service but exclude the general supplementary contracts, the national contract for MRI services, and the pathfinder schemes. Utilisation is measured on the basis of value rather than activity to allow for the variations which can occur through substitution of activity between procedures of varying value.

2. Figures are subject to the reconciliation of some contracts.

3. The Department procured independent sector capacity on the basis of capacity planning exercises conducted through strategic health authorities where the additional capacity in elective treatment and diagnostics required to meet key public service agreement waiting times targets was estimated. Where the estimates of demand have not been met so far in a contract the Department is working with the national health service and independent providers to ensure contracts deliver best value over the life of the contract.