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Independent Sector Treatment Centres

The hon. Member for Pendle has flushed out that point. Yes, the Committee was concerned about it. Such voids in information make us unsure about exactly how beneficial ISTCs are to the health services—whether standards are being maintained and whether ISTCs are really contributing to cutting waiting lists and increasing patient choice. I look forward to the Healthcare Commission’s imminent report on the quality of care provided by ISTCs and to learning of the progress of the information taskforce. Above all, I look forward to the Minister’s response to the report.