Independent sector providers carried out a record number of NHS procedures in April and further growth is expected as referrals into the sector reach a new high.
According to NHS activity data, independent providers performed 2,859 NHS operations per working day during the month – an increase of more than 60% compared to April 2019.
At the same time, the number of NHS patients referred to the sector reached a record 7,162 each working day – up from 5,852 in April 2019.
Overall, the sector is now consistently delivering 10% of all NHS elective care compared to around 8% pre-pandemic, with independent providers now carrying out almost one in five planned operations.
Commenting on the figures, Independent Healthcare Providers Network CEO David Hare said: ‘This latest data shows the independent sector’s increasingly pivotal role in delivering frontline NHS care – delivering record levels of NHS care which will be instrumental in helping the government to meet their key “milestone” to ensure 92% of patients are treated within 18 weeks by the end of this parliament.
‘While this is a clear sign of welcome progress in tackling NHS waiting lists, the sector is committed to building on this already impressive achievement and will be working with the government to ensure the principles contained in the recent NHS and Independent Sector Partnership Agreement are fully embedded – enabling patients to have a greater choice over their care so they can get the treatment they need, when they need it.’
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