Bobbies ‘should have private health care’

Feb 18 2008 by Paul James, The Journal

NORTHUMBRIA police officers have asked for private health care to be included in their contracts to bypass NHS waiting times.

The force’s Police Federation branch, which represents rank and file officers, wants bosses to offer subsidised private schemes for all its 4,000 members and some retired members.

The federation already runs a subsidised private health scheme for about 500 members for injuries sustained in the line of duty, but has now asked the force to pay half the costs of the arrangement.

Chief Constable Mike Craik has appointed consultants KPMG to look into the federation’s call and said that he will report any financial implications on police reserves – and council tax – to the Northumbria Police Authority.

Last night the Government defended its record on waiting times at hospitals as one North MP urged police officers to think again before turning their backs on the NHS.

Northumbria Police Federation chairman Russ Watson said: “We can get them in and out and back on the streets far quicker through a private health scheme than with the NHS.

“There’s a possibility that police officers go onto half pay after six months and no pay after 12. For a knee injury they can wait three months to see a consultant and while they’re on a waiting list they can be given a pay review.

“Under our scheme a lot of people have benefited and the public have benefited because officers have been able to come back into work far quicker.”

Official Northumbria figures show that from April last year to the end of January this year there were 29,548 days lost to sickness in the force, an average of seven days per officer.

Mr Watson said the federation’s deal with its private health firm did not cost “anywhere near” the public’s perception of private health.

Northumbria Police Authority member and senior Lib Dem Newcastle councillor Gareth Cooper said: “Attendance is something the police authority has expressed a desire to improve on. If this is one way of doing it, it’s certainly worth investigating.

“It’s disappointing if they can’t receive that treatment in an acceptable amount of time on the health service.”

Blyth Valley MP Ronnie Campbell said: “I don’t believe in private health care - everybody should be the same. Once we start going down the road of private health care it is a slippery road.

“I would say to the Police Federation ‘Think again’. I appreciate the argument about getting them back on the beat but let’s try and make the NHS work for them.

“If there’s a problem getting policemen back to work they should be knocking on MPs’ doors.”

Mr Craik said: “We will look at what KPMG have to say. We will then have to take those recommendations with any financial implications, to the police authority.”

Yesterday a Department of Health spokeswoman said: “Every day the NHS treats millions of people who receive high quality care and services.

“A recent report by the Healthcare Commission recognised continued ‘dramatic’ improvement in healthcare in England and Wales. It shows that the health service is performing well for patients who are waiting less time, getting faster diagnosis and better treatment.”