Responding to the publication of the Government’s response to the Paterson inquiry, David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), said:

“We welcome the Government’s response to the Bishop of Norwich’s important inquiry into the case of Ian Paterson. Anyone who read the Bishop’s report couldn’t fail to be moved by the suffering of the victims involved and it’s absolutely right that the Government’s response continues to put the voices of his victims and families at its heart.

“Today’s response from the Government builds on the inquiry’s report and sets out a clear commitment to implementing the Bishop’s recommendations and the importance of all parts of the healthcare system working together.

“As the Government has recognised, the independent sector has already taken a number of important steps to further improve quality and safety in the sector. This includes strengthening the oversight of clinicians working in the sector, notably through the implementation of our Medical Practitioners Assurance Framework which is used by CQC as evidence of good governance and to inform judgement about how well-led services provided by independent providers are.

“This work is also reflected in the Care Quality Commission’s independent assessment of the sector which currently shows that 84% of all independent sector hospitals are currently rated as either good or outstanding, which compares favourably to the wider healthcare system in England.

“The independent healthcare sector is fully committed to continuing to work with the Department of Health and Social Care and all parts of the healthcare system to build on progress made in recent years and to ensure that the commitments set out in the government’s response are fully delivered.”