Return of NHS PPUs’ national conference
PPU Watch.
Compiled by Philip Housden
Return of NHS PPUs’ national conference
The national conference for NHS private patient services returns to a face-to-face event this year after being online in 2022 and 2023. It will be held on Friday 27 September in Birmingham.
This is the only in-person event designed to benefit PPUs directly and delegates will be able to hear case studies from leading NHS PPU services, sessions with the major private medical health insurers and a review of the market.
Vanessa Pearce, senior producer and sponsorship sales manager of organisers SBK Healthcare, said PPUs would network and share new ideas.
‘No matter the size of the service, like-minded colleagues will be able to strategise through a flexible mix of presentations, group benchmarking and panel discussions.
‘Ask your burning questions to insurance providers and share creative strategies to generate new income.’
For details, see Face-to-face Conference – NHS Private Patients or email enquiries@sbk-healthcare.co.uk.
Private practice in Jersey looks to expand
Jersey may prove an attractive proposition to consultants as the island health department aims to double private patient income over the next five years to generate money ‘to support capacity and upgraded facilities for patients’.
It plans to boost this revenue to £18.8m before 2027 and £24m before 2029. Private patient services contributed £12.2m to health in 2023.
Two main untapped income sources have been identified: an estimated £5.3m from insured patients who are receiving state-funded care and up to £12.8m from insured customers who go elsewhere for private treatment.
Health minister Tom Binet said: ‘This strategy signals a commitment to expand the choice of service provision to islanders by enhancing the private healthcare offer, attracting skilled professionals to Jersey and increasing income to be used for the benefit of all islanders.
‘Our society is diverse and encouraging private patients’ services can support a better balance of healthcare spending and prioritisation towards those who depend most on state-funded care.’
The island will look for local and wider partnerships with solo consultants and consultant groups, private medical insurers and employers.
Private patient income is seen as crucial to help fund services for residents though state health insurance.
Philip Housden (right) is director of Housden Group commercial healthcare consultancy