Private medical cover uptake to increase as NHS faces 'toughest year'?

An uptake of private medical cover may be one of the results of the government's proposed reforms for the NHS.

One leading commentator has warned that the changes could see the NHS facing its "toughest year" ever in 2011, which might encourage some to seek alternative suppliers of medical treatment.

According to Nigel Edwards, acting chief executive of the NHS Confederation, there are a number of areas where government policy raises doubts over the NHS's ability to deliver high-quality healthcare.

For example, there are concerns over the disruption and potential loss of momentum caused by the biggest ever shake up of NHS structures and the ability of the health service to cope the largest ever cuts in management capacity and a £15-20 billion efficiency drive.

"There is no escaping the conclusion that 2011 will be really tough for the NHS, possibly the toughest year it has faced," said Mr Edwards.

"If the issues are not fully recognised, they will be dealt with poorly and patients will be the losers."

It follows a recent report by think tank Civitas that said that the government's NHS reform plans carry some "unacceptably high" risks.

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