Conclusions

Looking at this year’s barometer results, it’s clear that independent providers continue to be hugely positive about the prospects of the private healthcare market.

Confidence around self-pay is particularly strong – and is reflected our “Going Private” research which shows younger people are driving this market, particularly through paying for private primary and diagnostics care. Likewise, the record numbers of employers now provided workplace private medical insurance – and the increasing focus on occupational healthcare as part of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s “Keep Britain Working” review – means this is indentified by members as a key area for growth.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given the significant financial and operational challenges facing the health service, confidence in the NHS market has dropped in the past year, with a recognition that pressure to achieve savings will be the driving force behind local commissioning decisions. Despite this, there was however an increase in the proportion of members now feeling they are part of their local Integrated Care System (ICS), with overall the sector’s contribution to the NHS recovery reaching record levels in 2025.

Looking at issues around quality and safety, with the healthcare regulatory environment continuing to be in flux, and particularly the ongoing reform of the CQC, this is understandably creating increasing uncertainty and challenge for members. IHPN remain well placed to deal with this though, with strong relations with all Chief Inspectors at the CQC, and our forthcoming joint IHPN & CQC Patient Safety Conference an opportunity for members to hear the latest thinking at the regulator.

A new development for this year is that AI and the other digital tools are now seen as key in improving safety and quality, something which did not feature in last year’s results and which IHPN are currently developing a programme of work to support members in this area.

Finally, looking at the workforce challenges members are facing – perhaps unsurprisingly given the difficult financial environment and tight labour market, members are increasingly looking to create new and innovative roles or support changing skillsets, in addition to their work to support training and “grow their own”.