IHPN publishes workforce report

The Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) has published a report examining why staff choose to work in the independent healthcare sector, identifying ‘patients, progression and pace’ as the three main factors influencing career decisions.

The report, supported by Bevan Brittan, draws on focus groups, interviews, research calls and staff surveys across clinical, operational and non-clinical roles. It aims to highlight the experiences of the sector’s workforce, which IHPN said now numbers more than 150,000 employees delivering care to NHS and private patients.

Staff cited the ability to provide more personalised and unhurried care as a key attraction of working in the sector. Respondents also highlighted opportunities for career progression, flexible development pathways and the ability to implement improvements or trial new ideas without significant bureaucracy.

IHPN said the independent sector workforce is often overlooked as a career destination for healthcare graduates and employees, despite the sector playing an increasing role in delivering healthcare services.

IHPN director of regulation Dawn Hodgkins (pictured) said her experience working in the independent sector had helped develop her career in both frontline and regulatory roles.

‘This report shows that independent healthcare offers something many staff are actively looking for: the opportunity to provide high-quality patient care, progress their careers and work in an environment where innovation and improvement can happen quickly,’ she said.

‘The independent sector is home to a highly skilled and growing workforce delivering care to millions of NHS and private patients every year, and it deserves to be recognised as an important part of the wider healthcare workforce landscape.’