Appendix II
Details of BUPA's Survey of NHS Commissioners
1. METHODS
1.1 Initially, 86 letters were sent to key
contacts within those Trusts and RHAs who place the largest numbers
of patients with BUPA Hospitals. An independent research company
completed 23 interviews.
2. FINDINGS
2.1 The initial decision to place work with
the private sector is almost universally driven by the need to
reduce waiting lists. Proximity to the relevant NHS Trust appears
to be important.
2.2 BUPA Hospitals is seen as providing
a key service to the NHS at the present time and the vast majority
of NHS commissioners anticipate a long-term relationship between
the two parties.
2.3 NHS Trusts and Health Authorities are
clearly happy with the service provided by BUPA Hospitals, with
two thirds (65 per cent) rating the service "Very Good"
or Excellent". Areas receiving most praise focus upon the
staff within BUPA Hospitals and in particular:
— the quality of care provided to patients
— the helpfulness of the staff and
the way in which the efficiency of the process has eased pressure
on individuals and their organisations
— the degree of flexibility shown by
staff within individual hospitals in dealing with Trusts/HAs in
terms of fees, procedures and services offered.
2.4 In addition to the fact that NHS Trusts
and Health Authorities are positive about BUPA Hospitals' overall
service, the majority also feel that:
— the relationship they have with BUPA
Hospitals is having a positive impact on their waiting lists (87
per cent "Agree")
— their patients receive high quality
care when they are treated in a BUPA hospital (74 per cent "Agree")
— working with BUPA Hospitals has made
their job easier (65 per cent "Agree")
— BUPA Hospitals provides an invaluable
service to their NHA Trust or Health Authority (61 per cent "Agree")
Ultimately, the majority (74 per cent) feel
that BUPA Hospitals provides at least "Good" value for
money.
2.5. It is clear that many see a long-term
relationship with BUPA, with four out of five (82 per cent) saying
they are likely to continue to place work with BUPA Hospitals
in the future. Indeed, 52 per cent believe the number of patients
they send to BUPA Hospitals will increase in the future.
2.6. Where this relationship works best
is where BUPA Hospitals is seen less as a provider of services
on a piecemeal basis and more of a partner, where both parties
jointly pool their expertise to the ultimate benefit of the patient.
| 
