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IHPN responds to 7.6m NHS waiting list

Responding to the latest NHS performance figures showing NHS waiting lists are at 7.6 million, David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), said:

“The latest figures show that millions of NHS patients are still waiting simply too long to get the care they need, preventing them from leading the productive and fulfilling lives they deserve.

“The new Government’s election manifesto made clear that a key part of tackling the NHS backlog is through making use of capacity in the independent sector – one of its most popular policies with the public.

“Independent providers are already playing their role in supporting the NHS – last year activity by the sector removed more than 1.5 million people from the NHS waiting list – but are ambitious and positive about what more they can do to speed up patients’ access to high quality care.

“The Secretary of State was right to state this this week that cutting waiting lists is his number one priority to build a healthy society and a healthy economy.

“With the public eager to see improvements in the care they receive, the sector is ready to play its part to support this important mission, whether through investing in new services; working with our colleagues in the NHS to improve efficiency and productivity of services; or supporting a bigger push on patient choice so that the public can exercise their rights in accessing the fastest possible care”.

Notes to editors:

  • Read our briefing on how the independent sector can support the Government to “Build an NHS fit for the future” here