Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 5 February 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 February 2007. It was answered by Andy Burnham (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 May 2007 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Hospitals: Private Sector

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines she has issued to hospital trusts on (a) the provision by private companies of non-medical services for patients and (b) the level of charges imposed.

Answer: The Department has issued guidance to the national health service on charging patients for bedside telephone and television services. In order to make these services available, a tender exercise was undertaken and a number of companies were licensed to provide these services to the NHS. The licence documentation contains guidance on acceptable charging strategies within the NHS.The procurement of other non-medical services is the responsibility of the local NHS, and it is for them to manage these contracts and ensure they offer value for money.

Secondary information