A significant proportion of Britain's healthcare is provided by practitioners in the private sector who have the skills and capacity to undertake procedures quickly and cost-effectively.
HIGH QUALITY SERVICES
A wide range of high quality services is available to purchasers by way of established agreements between the public and independent sectors. Independent healthcare facilities include:
- Private hospitals and clinics
- Private nursing and residential homes
- Private patient units in NHS Trusts
- Independent acute psychiatric hospitals
THE BENEFITS OF PARTNERSHIP
Continuing partnership between the independent sector, the NHS and local authorities means:
- There is more choice for service purchasers
- NHS Trusts can in many cases buy services from independent hospitals to reduce pressure on resources
INDEPENDENT HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION
The Independent Healthcare Association (IHA) is a body representing the UK's independent healthcare sector. It aims to promote the highest standards in independent health and social care. Members of the association include charitable and private providers of:
- Independent nursing and residential care
- Domiciliary care
- Psychiatric and substance misuse services
- Pathology laboratories
- Rehabilitation services
- Day services