© 1995 Faculty of Public Health Medicine of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom
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Access to elective surgery at electoral ward level: the impact of the private sector
Kenneth H Lamden, Senior Registrar in Public Health Medicine
Anthony J. Sudell, Consultant in Public Health Medicine
East Lancashire Health Authority 3133 Kenyon Road, Lomeshaye Estate, Nelson, Lancashire BB9 5SZ
North West Lancashire Health Authority, Wesham Park Hospital Derby Road, Wesham, Near Kirkham, Preston PR4 3AL
Address correspondence to Dr Lamden
BACKGROUND: Purchasers of health care receive no routine information on the use of the private health sector by their residents, and are consequently unaware of any resulting differentials in access to health services. This information would assist in assessing need for services on a locality basis.
METHODS: For the period 19901992 surgical activity data from the single private hospital in Preston were examined by electoral ward of residence and compared with corresponding NHS data.
RESULTS: For the procedures examined, the private sector contributed only 8 per cent to overall surgical activity within Preston. People from the more affluent wards were far more likely to use the private sector than those from deprived wards.
CONCLUSION: The private sector did not introduce any inequity of access to surgery within Preston at electoral ward level. However, in districts with higher levels of private sector activity significant differentials in access may exist.
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