Private care’s quality is on the rise
The private health providers’ trade body has announced the ‘relentless focus’ across the independent sector on improving quality and safety continues to show positive results.
David Hare, chief executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), said the news was ‘encouraging’ with:
- Nearly 100 more acute services rated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as ‘Good’ overall this year;
- Almost 20 more rated as ‘Outstanding’ compared with 2022;
- A drop in the numbers of services rated as ‘Requires Improvement’ or ‘Inadequate’.
He said: ‘This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of thousands of staff working tirelessly across the country to deliver high-quality, safe, responsive care to patients – whether they are being seen as NHS patients or if they are being treated privately.’
Mr Hare believe the figures were all the more noteworthy given the huge challenges facing healthcare as a whole, set out in the CQC’s latest State of Care report.
He added: ‘The CQC cites the research, from our recent report Going Private, which shows that current demand for the private sector is being driven by challenges within the NHS. However, it was also notable to see that the quality of care in the private sector was also a big positive point made by patients.
‘Independent providers work hand in glove with the NHS every day to deliver the best possible services to patients. The sector is ready to increase its support of the NHS. There is capacity to deliver more high-quality care and we are committed to working with the NHS to get patients the treatment they need as quickly as possible.’
