In 2024, independent healthcare providers significantly contributed to reducing NHS waiting lists by delivering 10% of all elective care, equating to over 1.5 million patients treated. This included nearly 18,000 NHS operations weekly and approximately 460,000 monthly episodes of care—such as appointments, scans, tests, and surgical procedures—provided free at the point of use. Notably, in specialties like orthopaedics and ophthalmology, independent providers handled over 22% and 21% of NHS activity, respectively, treating around 36,000 patients monthly in each field. Patients receiving care from these providers experienced shorter waiting times, averaging just over 11 weeks compared to the NHS average of 18 weeks. David Hare, CEO of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network, emphasised the sector's pivotal role in achieving government targets and expressed commitment to further collaboration to enhance patient choice and timely access to care.
Source: Healthcare & Protection – “Independent providers take 1.5 million people from NHS waiting list – IHPN” (Published: 29 January 2025)
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