Originally posted on The Slog.:
Even the IFS, Nuffield and the Competition Commission admit that there is precious little demand for private healthcare
Last year, the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) and Nuffield Trust (part of the private health provider) issued a report on the relationship between the NHS and the private sector since 2000 – or thereabouts. It is a good and full report, but its interpretation is that of a neloliberal think tank (Margaret Thatcher was an early member of the IFS) and Nuffield which – despite its protestations of balance – does have an agenda. Given these factors, some of the gems in there are to say the least surprising.In the time since its publication, the Government has not started seizing on its findings for political gain. As we shall see, there are very good reasons for this.
