Explaining independent sector differences
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.
- The Independent Healthcare Provider Network (IHPN) and the Patients Association published a video in January 2020 explaining what patients should expect from independent healthcare (DHSC and NHS England implementation update provided to the Thirlwall Inquiry, April 2025).
- The Department of Health and Social Care stated in April 2025 that it intended to publish information on the differences in care organization between the NHS and independent sector, but work was halted during the 2024 pre-election period (DHSC and NHS England implementation update provided to the Thirlwall Inquiry, April 2025).
- The Department of Health and Social Care stated that it remained committed to the recommendation and that information would be published in due course, without giving a publication date (Written Question HL16569, UK Parliament, 29 April 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedAccepted. 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)
Progress Timeline
The Government is committed to fulfilling the recommendation arising from the Paterson Inquiry. Information will be published in due course.
DHSC and NHS England implementation update provided to the Thirlwall Inquiry (April 2025). This is the government's own account of progress, submitted to the inquiry. Reviewed extent of implementation: In progress. In January 2020, the Independent Healthcare Provider Network (IHPN) and the Patients Association jointly published a short video on what to expect from independent healthcare. IHPN has committed to produce more resources. The Department of Health and Social Care plans to publish information on the difference in how care is organised between the NHS and Independent Sector. Given the breadth and complexity of the health and care system, this information will focus on hospital-based care in the first instance. Once published, DHSC will work with providers in both the NHS and the Independent Sector to signpost this information as part of the general information patients receive about their care. The previous government agreed that this information would be drafted in house for publication. Prior to the election on 4 July 2024, the Patients Association had been contracted to support in drafting this information by testing knowledge and text with patients. Due to the pre-election period this work was halted at an early stage of its development. DHSC now intends to seek agreement from Ministers on how to proceed with this recommendation.