NHS hospitals to sell services abroad

NHS hospital trusts could be encouraged to set up profit-generating overseas clinics under new government plans.

Proposals from the Department of Health and UK Trade and Investment have suggested that the NHS brand could potentially be monetised internationally in order to generate funds that would support service provision in Britain.

This follows the existing model of Moorfields Eye Hospital and Great Ormond Street, both of which have established operations in the Middle East that take advantage of their international fame.

Health minister Anne Milton said this development would benefit the economy, create new jobs and further bolster the British life science industry.

She added: "The NHS has a world-class reputation, and this exciting development will make the most of that to deliver real benefits for both patients and taxpayers."

This comes at a time when UK health service providers are being compelled to make significant efficiency savings, a drive that will intensify under the incoming Health and Social Care Act reforms.