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Private Sector (NHS)

I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for North Durham (Mr. Jones) on securing this debate, and I welcome the fact that he is not ideologically opposed to private involvement if it passes the founding-principles test. When I first saw the subject of the debate, I was concerned that it would be along the lines of "all private, bad; all public, good." Stourbridge is served by Dudley South primary care trust. For some years, the private sector has successfully provided it with counselling services. It provides young people with drug counselling and help with sexual problems at The What Centre. Private physiotherapy treatment has also been successful. A more important example is that of audiology. I know that many areas have problems employing audiologists, but Dudley South PCT has brought in the private sector to help reduce waiting lists. The average 19 Oct 2005 : Column 285WH waiting time was about 18 months. I know that it is higher in some parts of the country, but Dudley South PCT recruited additional audiology professionals to help. It is has also set up night clinics, as well as making a contract with the private provider Ultravox which successfully assists with services that are already provided. People wanting an audiology appointment need an average of three appointments. First, the ear is moulded; a fitting appointment is necessary; and a further appointment is often needed. The contract, which was set up after a bid in July 2004, has been overseen by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People. The modernising health service programme has been important in the Dudley South PCT. I am a new MP, and I have dealt with only a few audiology surgery cases, but I can see what a difference the programme is making in my constituency. I am concerned that we do not throw the baby out with the bathwater. It is important that we do not reject services simply because they are private. In my constituency, the programme is making a difference, although I accept that that may not be the case elsewhere.