News and media

NHS Strikes Major Deal To Expand Hospital Capacity to Battle Coronavirus

Date of publication: 21st Mar 2020

Categories: Latest news

More beds, ventilators and thousands of extra healthcare staff will be made urgently available from next week to aid the NHS fight against coronavirus, thanks to a major deal agreed between NHS England and the nation's independent hospitals. Nearly 20,000 fully qualified staff will be joining the NHS response to the pandemic, helping manage the expected surge in cases. The extra resources now secured by the health service will not only be available to treat coronavirus patients, but will also...

IHPN responds to new NHS guidance on COVID19 next steps

Date of publication: 17th Mar 2020

Categories: Latest news

Responding to new NHS England-Improvement guidance published today on next steps on the NHS' response to coronavirus, David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network, said: “We are pleased to confirm today’s announcement that the independent sector will be working in partnership with NHS England as part of the response to COVID-19, including by making thousands of hospitals beds available and engaging the skilled staff employed by independent sector providers in care at every level. “It’s important to...

New report finds independent health sector has most positive “speaking up” culture

Date of publication: 27th Feb 2020

Categories: Latest news

“Freedom to Speak Up” Guardians from independent providers of healthcare have the most positive perception of the “speaking up” culture in their organisations, according to the latest report from the National Guardian’s office. Surveying almost 600 Freedom to Speak Up Guardians (FTSUGs) – a role established following Sir Robert Francis’ “Freedom to Speak Up” Review to help develop cultures where safety concerns are identified and addressed at an early stage - the National Guardian’s report has found that across all...

IHPN welcomes consultation on integrating NHS and private sector data

Date of publication: 21st Feb 2020

Categories: Latest news

Responding to the launch of the NHS Digital and PHIN's consultation on the Acute Data Alignment Programme (ADAPt), David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network said:  "The recent Paterson inquiry report rightly called for much more of a ‘whole systems’ approach to patient safety and data transparency. “In seeking to better align NHS and independent sector data, the ADAPt programme represents a key step towards the seamless flow of data along the patient journey – helping to...

Almost three quarters of a million people now waiting over 18 weeks for care

Date of publication: 13th Feb 2020

Categories: Latest news

Responding to NHS England’s latest performance statistics, David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network said: “With almost three quarters of a million people now waiting over the 18 week target for treatment, and IHPN’s own analysis showing that almost one in six households has someone on an NHS waiting list, urgent action must now be taken stop any further deterioration in patient access to care and bring down waiting times for good. “Alongside extra investment promised by...

IHPN responds to independent inquiry into Ian Paterson

Date of publication: 4th Feb 2020

Categories: Latest news

Responding to the publication of the Bishop of Norwich's independent inquiry report into the case of Ian Paterson, David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network said: “Anyone that reads the testimonies of the individuals affected by Ian Paterson’s appalling crimes cannot fail to be moved by their suffering. We therefore welcome today’s report from the Bishop of Norwich which rightly puts the voices of his victims and families at the heart of his work, and makes clear...

IHPN calls for new safety body to cover privately funded care

Date of publication: 30th Jan 2020

Categories: Latest news

Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) Chief Executive, David Hare, has written to the Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, calling for the proposed new Health Service Safety Investigations Bill (HSSIB) to expand its remit to cover both NHS and privately funded care. The Bill, contained in the Government’s recent Queen’s Speech, gives new powers to the current Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch to investigate patient safety incidents and ensure learning is shared across the health service. However the Bill as...

IHPN responds to MAC report on immigration

Date of publication: 29th Jan 2020

Categories: Latest news

Responding to the publication of the Migration Advisory Committee report into a points-based system and salary thresholds for immigration, David Furness, Director of Policy and Delivery at the Independent Healthcare Providers Network, said: “In common with all healthcare providers, the independent health sector recognises the significant challenge of recruiting healthcare professionals, particularly in light of changes to the immigration system. We welcome the MAC’s recommendation to lower the salary threshold from £30,000 to £25,600 which should help increase the numbers...

Statement re CISS tender process

Date of publication: 27th Jan 2020

Categories: Latest news

IHPN has issued the following statement in response to an article published in Healthcare Markets on 23 January “Healthcode maintains its independence after concerns raised over its suitability to run the CISS”. “IHPN saw the report in Healthcare Markets on 23 January about Healthcode, in which it was suggested that “Healthcode emerged as the natural choice of provider to operate the CISS when it was announced by the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) at the end of last year.” IHPN wishes...

IHPN launches new animation for patients on what to expect from independent healthcare

Date of publication: 24th Jan 2020

Categories: Latest news

The Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) have today launched a new animation for patients on what to expect from independent healthcare. With almost 2 million acute patient journeys across the independent sector every year, it's vital that patients who choose to either self-fund their care or use private medical insurance, are as fully informed as possible when receiving independent health. With the support of the Patients Association, IHPN have therefore developed a short film setting out their rights around being...