Is the demonisation of private practice unhelpful?

The vast majority of healthcare in the UK is provided by the National Health Service (NHS). However, in recent years there has been increased use of private heath facilities, much of it driven by dissatisfaction with the NHS.1 Yet private practice is negatively perceived by the media and politicians. As the current configuration of both private consultant practice and the GP independent contractor status both have their origins in the foundation of the NHS, I would argue that, rather than being mutually exclusive opposites, they could work together more for public benefit. I will also detail three factors likely to