PHIN relaxes reporting requirements during Covid-19 outbreak

The Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have agreed to relax reporting requirements for hospitals and clinics carrying out private patient work during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The majority of independent hospitals, NHS PPUs and consultants are now actively supporting the NHS in delivering front-line care to patients in the wake of the pandemic.

PHIN said it would not be pursuing hospitals for data submissions during this time and would deactivate the automated monthly data progress emails. However, its channels for data submission will remain open for providers who wish to maintain their PHIN submissions.

In addition, it will not be contacting consultants with requests for information or data review during this time, although its Consultant Portal will be available for consultants to review their data reports, create profiles and update their fee information.

PHIN said the measures had the full support of the CMA but were likely to have implications on its ability to update measures on its public website in the near term.

PHIN and NHS Digital have also agreed to keep the ADAPt consultation open until 22 May but will keep this under review.

In a letter to providers, PHIN said: ‘The team at PHIN will continue to work closely with providers and consultant representatives to understand how the current situation is impacting them and if there are ways in which we could provide any assistance. Our team remains fully available by email, telephone and conference call to help you with any issues and queries.’