The UK Government has announced that the partnership of NHS [National Health Service] with independent sector has enabled thousands of patients to receive faster care, free at the point of use.
More than six million tests and operations for NHS were delivered by independent healthcare providers during the past year.
This figure marks an increase of almost 500,000 procedures compared to the previous year.
Independent providers carried out an average of 19,000 surgical procedures and 100,000 outpatient appointments each week during the current financial year, thereby aiding in the treatment of more than 1.1 million people.
This partnership has also helped to reduce long waiting lists, which have decreased by 206,000 over the past year.
Using spare capacity in the private sector is considered a key component of the government’s objective to ensure that 92% of patients in England wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment.
UK Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said, “I’ll do everything I can to get NHS patients treated faster, free at the point of use. This is a principled, progressive position, not just a pragmatic one.
“We’re not prepared to continue two-tier healthcare, when those who can afford it get treated on time, and those who can’t are left behind. Wealth shouldn’t determine health.”
“Through investment and relentless reform, we will make sure every patient is treated on time, not just those who can afford to pay.”
Among the other measures to reduce waiting times and boost NHS capacity include expanding CDCs, opening new surgical hubs, launching a national programme of weekend high-intensity theatre (HIT) lists once in a month in 50 hospitals.
Last month, the NHS announced that it is establishing NHS Online, with the first patients being able to use the platform in 2027.
“NHS partnership with private sector helps deliver faster care for patients” was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.
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