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" The continued expansion of the NHS into the private sector may compromise the quality of patient care, according to medical experts.  The British Medical Association (BMA) claims that public consultation on the implications of NHS reform has been insufficient.  In a submission to the parliamentary Labour party health committee (PLPHC), the doctors&amp;#039; organisation expressed concern about perceived inadequate engagement by ministers with the medical profession over issues of reform.  Responding to the PLPHC&amp;#039;s inquiry into the progress of NHS reform and the role of private sector providers, the BMA also cautioned the government about the current lack of data on quality and cost efficiency of the independent sector&amp;#039;s provision of NHS care.  Dr Paul Miller, chairman of the BMA&amp;#039;s consultants&amp;#039; committee, said: &amp;quot;This government has invested impressive amounts of new money into the NHS and the extra capacity provided by the independent sector has the potential to help reduce waiting times even further for patients.  &amp;quot;But sadly, the programme of reform, as is currently being implemented, threatens to destroy what already works well in the NHS.&amp;quot;  The BMA suggested the growing use of the independent sector in continuity of patient care and lack of integration of new providers into the NHS could put at risk the quality of patient care.  Dr Miller added: &amp;quot;Local clinicians and the public are often excluded from discussions to introduce the independent sector into local NHS services and the lack of data on outcomes means that they are unable to assess the quality of patient care or ensure new providers offer value for money.&amp;quot;  The medical expert called on the government to consult the medical community and the public more widely about NHS reform.  The BMA report cautions that use of the independent sector by the NHS could compromise training for junior doctors and create an uneven playing field between the independent sector and conventional NHS providers. \u00A9 Adfero Ltd "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/news/a13022/private-sector-nhs-role-threatens-patient-care/>