The Conservative Vision for the NHS

Have you noticed how David Cameron never mentions privatisation? It's all about a "revolution in social responsibility" ... or "trusting people" or "look at me in my kitchen on my videoblog."

In contrast, Oliver Letwin has been a bit too honest about what "social responsibility" means for Conservative plans and the NHS.

Oliver Letwin has outlined plans for a huge increase in the use of private companies in healthcare provision. His vision would reduce the NHS to a commissioning body, with many patient services provided by a range of businesses. Letwin, chairman of the Tories' policy review, said that contracting out healthcare was in the best interests of patients ... Letwin said the Tories would have “no hang-ups” about use of the private sector in healthcare, although the NHS would remain free of charge.

Asked if there would be any limits, he said: "No limits, no. Let the commissioning bodies decide where patients can best be cured. If people can provide services under the NHS which are good services — social enterprises, private bodies or NHS foundations — if they can satisfy the commissioners within the NHS that the best way is through them, then they should be part of the show."