Who pays, wins

The annual reports and financial accounts of Devon's main National Health Service hospitals tell me they earned more than £5.5 million last year from treating private patients.

Here are the details of private patient income:

Derriford £3.434 m
Royal Devon & Exeter £1.142 m
Torbay £466,000
North Devon £463,000

So keen is Derriford to pitch for this kind of business that its tariff is on-line. The £466/night Meavy Clinic in particular looks like the ideal place for those untroubled by the politics of envy:

"Rooms are cleaned daily, with fresh towels and toiletries provided for your convenience. You will be able to select each meal from a varied menu during your stay with us. Our dedicated chef oversees the menu planning to make sure that we offer a healthy and appetising choice to suit most tastes."