The NHS has spent £1.5m on private health treatment for staff over the last three years, research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed.

The figures, released in answer to Freedom of Information requests, shows that over 3,000 staff have received private treatment since 2006.   

The figures reveal that:

· In 2006/07, 708 staff received private treatment at a cost of £279,335

· In 2007/08, 988 staff received private treatment at a cost of £470,859

· In 2008/09, 1,641 staff received private treatment at a cost of £828,413 

· Over the last three years, 3,337 members of staff were treated at a cost of £1,578,607

Commenting, Liverpool City Council Leader Warren Bradley said: 

“It makes sense for the NHS to want to get doctors and nurses back to work as quickly as possible but these figures will be little comfort for those people in Liverpool stuck on waiting lists trying to get access to treatment.

“The fact that thousands of their own staff are receiving private treatment is an absolute joke!

“The sad reality of our health service today is that if you happen to suffer from an illness not covered by a Labour Government target, then you will often have to wait months for the care you need.