Brown due to unveil shift in policy
Gordon Brown is due to signal a major expansion of private sector involvement in health provision as he fights to revive his political fortunes.
The Prime Minister is to unveil a series of policy shifts designed to give people more power over public services.
Among the most radical moves will be giving patients cash to go private if NHS Trusts cannot meet the 18-week target between GP referral and treatment.
Cancer sufferers would be able to take their funding elsewhere if they are not given a specialist appointment within two weeks.
Similar "entitlements" are being considered for: Accessing an NHS dentist; late opening hours for GPs at weekends; and getting palliative care at home.
The amount of money would be equivalent to the cost of the treatment on the NHS - and Trusts that fail to meet their obligations could face other financial penalties.
The changes are likely to be portrayed as a climbdown by Mr Brown, who in the past battled against less drastic Blairite efforts to involve the private sector in public services.
There are similarities to the "Patient's Passport" policy dropped by the Tories after the last general election. Currently only elective surgery such as hip replacements and cataract surgery is provided through private treatment.
However, after a series of dire poll results and leadership speculation, aides hope that a new policy platform can counter criticism that the Government is "drifting" and get Mr Brown back on track.
The premier is due to attend a series of events to launch the "Building Britain's Future" document.
