Cameron tells Big Issue NHS must look to Tesco

Friday 05th of February 2010

David Cameron has pledged to introduce the "business thinking" of Tesco in running the NHS.

In an interview with The Big Issue, the Tory leader said he wanted government to look at the supermarket giant's ability to make effective efficiency savings. "We have to work out how you get more for less" he said.

"We have to do what you do in business. Do you hear Tesco bleating because they're going to cut costs? No, they say - great, let's cut costs because we can give better service to the customer. That's business thinking entirely... we have to work out you get more for less."

The opposition leader also insisted mental health services would be given "star billin" in the NHS under a Conservative government. "We want to protect those budgets, ring fence tham to stop them being used elsewhere" he said.

Cameron also joked about a new career as a Parliamentary attendant if he failed to become Prime Minister. "If it all goes pear-shaped I can always become a tour guide."

Read the full interview in next week's edition of The Big Issue - on sale February 8th.