Conclusion and next steps

We believe this report demonstrates considerable progress towards further improving quality and safety across independent providers over the past year, but we recognise there is always more to do. 

In the coming 12 months we will focus our efforts on improving transparency, including through contributing to new systems such as the Outcomes and Registries Programme. A key goal is to make sure that private data can flow safely and securely to support a better understanding of patients’ journeys across healthcare and consultants’ activity in different healthcare settings. Some of the essential steps to make this happen require actions that must come from beyond the sector, such as Government, NHS England and regulators. As the representative body for independent providers, we are committed to working with these partners to progress these goals. 

A key part of IHPN’s agenda is to encourage shared learning between providers. This will form a significant part of our work programme throughout 2025. And we remain committed as ever to maintaining a dialogue with patients. It is essential that services should always be responsive and that patients’ rights to choose healthcare that fits their needs is supported across the system.