ISTC programme expenditure (£ million)1Total NHS expenditure (£ million)ISTC expenditure as a percentage of total NHS spend2003-040.464,183—2004-0584.769,0790.122005-06113.775,8300.15 1 Expenditure on locally procured independent sector treatment providers is not separately identified in the annual financial returns of national health service trusts, primary care trusts and strategic health authorities.Note:The first ISTC commenced services in 2003. The above figures include central funding provided for the ISTCs, the general supplementary procurement and pathfinder contracts.NHS spend on independent healthcare providers will be determined by the choices made by patients and those who commission services locally on their behalf.