Introduction

David Hare, Chief Executive, IHPN

I am delighted to launch our fourth annual IHPN Industry Barometer: State of the Sector report, which provides a snapshot of how senior leaders across the independent healthcare sector feel about all their key markets and the issues affecting their business.

Being able to compare this year’s data with previous years has enabled us to gain even further insights from members, and even better support them across all their key markets.

The health service remains under significant pressures with rising waiting times for patients across all parts of the system. In addition we’re facing economic challenges, including a cost-of-living crisis which is impacting all healthcare providers’ ability to run their organisations, and recruit and retain staff.

Against this challenging backdrop, independent providers are committed to playing their role in getting the healthcare system back on track. Given the link between rising NHS waiting lists and economic inactivity, we also have a part to play improving the overall wealth and prosperity of the country.

We have been fortunate to have once again worked in partnership on the Industry Barometer with Practicus, whose purpose is to help organisations and people navigate change.

Thank you again to all our members who contributed to the survey, and I hope that you find the results interesting.