The proportion of independent healthcare providers rated “good” or “outstanding” has hit 92% according to the Care Quality Commission.
The proportion of independent healthcare providers rated “good” or “outstanding” has hit the highest ever level as the sector continues to treat record levels of both NHS and private patients.
An analysis of official safety and quality data from across the sector has found that overall 92% of independent sector hospitals are rated overall good or outstanding by healthcare regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
This is a notable jump from 2018 when only 70% of independent healthcare providers achieved that rating.
“It’s hugely welcome to see that the overall standards of quality and safety in the sector continue to improve, from what was an already very high level,” said Dawn Hodgkins, director of regulation at The Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), which represents independent providers which deliver both NHS and privately funded care.
“Whether it’s shorter waiting times, patients’ own experiences of their care, or the view of independent audits or regulators, independent providers are demonstrating that they are prioritising delivering safe, accessible, high-quality care for patients, with a real culture of learning and improvement within their organisations,” she continued.
Supporting and empowering staff
Particularly high levels of care were found in diagnostic imaging services by independent providers (85%), independent community healthcare providers (92%) and independent doctors (94%).
The report also notes the work the sector doing to help support and empower its staff to drive through improvements in patient safety and develop a culture of openness and learning. This includes a 50% year-on-year increase in the number of Freedom to Speak Up Guardians in the sector and the establishment of new patient safety specialists who are required in all organisations that deliver NHS-funded care.
The sector’s focus on safety and quality is significant following the new agreement that Keir Starmer struck with the independent sector in mid-January as part of plans to end the hospital waiting list backlog.
As Healthcare Today reported at the time, the new deal will set out how independent sector capacity can be used to tackle some of the longest waits in specialist areas of treatment, such as gynaecology, where according to government figures there is a backlog of 260,000 women waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment.
