Should NHS mental health services fear the private sector?

This article focuses on a plan by the British coalition government to open up the market in the National Health Service (NHS). It notes the growing scepticism about the merit of the private sector in U.S. health care, as well as the proposal in Great Britain to devolve financial risk to general practice consortiums through market competition and a reimbursement system. It points out the risk posed by mentally ill patients due to their higher overall health costs and unpredictable care. It also notes the development of the competitive market of mixed providers, as well as the effect of competition in the NHS on quality and efficiency.