The Guardian has reported that one in ten of all planned NHS operations and patient treatments are now being performed by the independent sector. NHS Trusts facing staffing problems, industrial action and pressure to reduce long patient wait times, as well as underinvestment in the NHS, are driving this trend.
The Guardian highlights the growing dependency on private healthcare to address NHS shortfalls which has knock-on financial implications when the NHS is facing budget constraints. However, some trusts are now collaborating with private firms in building new facilities to treat NHS and private patients, helping to bridge the funding gap due to the rising cost of building new hospitals.
The Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) stressed that its expansion was helping NHS patients get quicker care at a time when NHS staff are under pressure and overwhelmed. NHS England was also quick to defend its close relationship with the independent sector. With the Government encouraging the use of independent sector capacity and Labour also praising the benefits of outsourcing care, this trend is one that is set to continue and only grow in importance as the demand for care rises.
One Health Group plc (AQSE:OHGR) is at the forefront of working with the NHS to provide faster, local and expert care.
Adam Binns commented: “We have developed so many new and fantastically positive, collaborative relationships with our NHS colleagues over the past four years since covid changed our lives in so many ways. Now is the time to maintain the momentum and drive change in the solution and the mindsets of so many. There is a real opportunity to make a difference to the lives of many NHS patients through patient choice, with care delivered free at the point of delivery, driving down the waiting lists.
At One Health, our entire team take great personal satisfaction in the care we provide and the feedback we receive from patients resuming healthy lives. We are proud of the increased part we have played in the solution since the pandemic, supporting our NHS colleagues across multiple regions, with short waiting times, most of our care delivered in local communities, free at the point of delivery.
By continuing to increase the use of independent sector capacity, alongside the NHS itself increasing the number of patients it treats, we can together make a meaningful impact on waiting lists and ensure patients get the timely care they so desperately need.”
One Health Group PLC (AQSE:OHGR) are a team of Consultant Surgeons and Healthcare managers working with the NHS to provide faster, local and expert care in Orthopaedics, Spinal, General Surgery and Gynaecology.
