Consultants cost the government millions

Original: Consultants cost the government millions

The government has lost millions of pounds in using private consultants to give advice to primary care trusts. The idea was aimed to save the NHS money but in fact it has cost the health service over £21 million. The figures have been released this week through Department of Health documents and just prove that the Government's Framework for Procuring External Support for Commissioners (FESC) initiative has not achieved its goal to make efficient savings. Health publication 'Pulse' found that spending on private consultants had tripled over the past two years since it was launched, costing a total of £39.4 million but only bringing in £17.5 million worth of savings. This is money that could have been spent in another department of the NHS for example on buying new equipment. Dr Jonathan Fielden, chair of the BMA's c in the same way. Being treated by the latest healthcare equipment and medicines could reduce recovery time and get patients back to full health in the shortest period possible which is inevitably a priority for most people when they undergo an operation or fall ill.