NHS patients to be sent private

Thousands of NHS patients from Surrey and London will be fast-tracked for surgery in a private hospital, under a landmark deal.

Tony Blair has ignored union warnings over privatisation and agreed to the first contract which will see an entire private hospital providing diagnosis and treatment solely for NHS patients.

The Bupa hospital in Redhill, Surrey, will be able to treat up to 12,000 people a year, many on a day-surgery basis.

The deal marks a triumph-for Health Secretary-Alan Milburn, who has been pushing for such agreements, amid signs that staff shortages are crippling NHS efforts to clear waiting lists.

A similar deal with another private healthcare provider had been due to go ahead earlier this year, but was called off amid concern that union protests could derail the general election campaign.

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