Concerned about the increasing privatisation of NHS eye care, a KONPNE supporter in Blaydon has recently been in touch with her MP – and received a startling response.
Liz Twist MP (Blaydon and Consett) confirmed in an email on the 2nd June 2025 that she is “pleased that the Government’s Elective Recovery Plan is already making a difference. Since July, eye care waiting lists have gone down by 24,000 and 2 million more NHS appointments have been given across different specialties. This is welcome news to everyone who has put their lives on hold whilst waiting for treatment”
Ahh – yes – of course. But there is more to this than meets the eye.
Like – where is the money going…?
KONPNE notes that, not one month previously, research published by the Centre for Health and the Public Interest found that the five main private companies providing cataract surgery and other eye treatments to the NHS in England made an estimated £169million in profit collectively during 2023 – 24. The five’s average profit margin for NHS work is 32%. This financial boost from the Government earlier this year will, no doubt, soon be lining the coffers of numerous private firms. KONPNE is absolutely clear – money allocated to the Elective Recovery Plan should be invested in developing NHS-run capacity and services.
And, as if to emphasise the point, we note that Liz Twist MP writes that she “will always defend our NHS as a public service, free at the point of use, so that whenever you fall ill you never have to worry about the bill”. Absolutely. But, importantly, where is Liz’ commitment to NHS services being PUBLICLY PROVIDED?
KONPNE is crystal clear – services need to be publicly funded AND publicly provided. There is no room for shareholders raking off profits from OUR money provided for NHS healthcare.
We wish the Blaydon resident well.
Coincidentally, members of KONPNE had emailed Liz Twist MP earlier in the year (January 2025) and followed this up with a posted letter and information (March 2025), both requesting a meeting to discuss NHS provision. We would really appreciate the opportunity to discuss and work with Liz Twist MP on these issues. We are still awaiting a response and will keep you updated.
Private Eye is also following these appalling trends in our eye services – see Private Eye 1648 2nd – 15th May 2025
Information:
https://www.chpi.org.uk/the-outsourcing-of-nhs-eye-care-profit-map
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/04/profits-from-nhs-england-eye-care-outsourcing-same-as-100-pfi-contracts-research-finds
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