3 Response Accepted AI-assessed

Explaining independent sector differences

Recommendation

We recommend that the differences between how the care of patients in the independent sector is organised and the care of patients in the NHS is organised is explained clearly to patients, so that they understand how the engagement of their consultant, their practising privileges, their indemnity, and emergency and intensive care arrangements work.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the Government Response (December 2021), the government accepted this recommendation, and the CQC now requires independent healthcare providers to ensure patients understand the differences in how care is organised in the independent sector, including consultant engagement, practising privileges, indemnity, and emergency care arrangements, as part of their registration conditions. According to the Government Response (December 2021), the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) also provides comparative information. No further specific published evidence detailing the impact of these changes has been identified since the 2021 response.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
England
Response
Accepted
Accepted Department of Health and Social Care
16 Dec 2021

Accepted. CQC now requires independent healthcare providers to ensure patients understand these arrangements as part of their registration conditions. The Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) also provides comparative information. Independent providers should explain consultant engagement arrangements, practising privileges, indemnity cover, and emergency care arrangements. (Source: Government Response, December 2021)

Source
Inquiry Paterson Inquiry
Report Report of the Independent Inquiry into the Issues raised by Paterson 04 Feb 2020
View Source
Responsible Bodies
Department of Health and Social Care Primary
Themes & Tags
No person-centred care Patient safety governance Independent Sector Patient Information Informed Consent
Recommendation age 6.1 yrs
Last formal update 1559 days ago