13.5% growth in independent providers, by Sally Taber

There was a 13.5% increase in independent providers (hospital, community and mental health/learning disability and substance misuse) between 31 March and 31 December 2012. By 31 December 2012, 1,393 independent providers were registered with CQC (an increase of 166). In terms of registered locations, there was an increase of 246 locations in the same period, bringing the number to 3,010 locations (an increase of 8.9%). The specific increase in independent hospital services provision was 8.2%.