IHPN responds to new National Cancer Plan

Responding to the publication of the National Cancer Plan, David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), said:

“The Government has set out an ambitious new plan to improve cancer survival rates and ensure people get the care they need at the earliest possible opportunity. The UK independent healthcare sector is home to some of the world’s most innovative cancer care, and independent providers will be key to supporting the delivery of the Plan.

“This includes support for early diagnosis of cancer where independent providers have a proven track record for delivering accessible, high quality NHS diagnostic services, with the sector now providing 1 in 5 of all NHS tests and scans, as well as developing dozens of conveniently located NHS Community Diagnostics Centres (CDCs) all across the country. 

“It’s therefore positive to see the Plan commit to significant new investment to deliver 9.5 million additional tests and scans by 2029, of which NHS England have made clear that over one third will need to come from the independent sector. This will help create significant new additional diagnostics capacity without the need for additional public capital spending, and will help to drive up the overall productivity of services – key in improving patients’ access to care.    

“The plan rightly calls for a renewed push on driving up both the productivity and capacity of the community diagnostics estate and as part of this, it’s vital that the health service is much more open around the productivity metrics of CDCs, with mechanisms in place to replace poorly performing providers with those who have a proven track record in delivering accessible, efficient diagnostics care. The independent sector is a critical part of the solution around this, with IHPN’s own analysis showing that on average independent sector run CDCs are able to scan 9,000 patient per year per MRI scan – over 10% more than what the NHS is aiming for. This will make a significant contribution to meeting the NHS’ ambitious cancer targets by the end of this Parliament.”