Responding to the CQC’s State of Care report, David Hare, chief executive of IHPN, said: “We are encouraged that a relentless focus across the independent sector on improving quality and safety continues to show positive results.

“We have seen nearly 100 more acute services rated as “Good” overall, and nearly 20 more rated as “Outstanding” compared with last year. At the same time, the numbers of services rated as “Requires Improvement” or “Inadequate” have gone down.

“This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of thousands of staff working tirelessly across the country to deliver high quality, safe, responsive care to patients – whether they are being seen as NHS patients, or if they are being treated privately.

“This is all the more noteworthy given the huge challenges facing healthcare as a whole, which the report clearly sets out.

Hare added: “The CQC cites the research, from our recent report Going Private, which shows that current demand for the private sector is being driven by challenges within the NHS. However, it was also notable to see that the quality of care in the private sector was also a big positive point made by patients.

“Independent providers work hand in glove with the NHS every day to deliver the best possible services to patients. The sector is ready to increase its support of the NHS – there is capacity to deliver more high-quality care, and we are committed to working with the NHS to get patients the treatment they need as quickly as possible.”