More than 6 million tests and operations for NHS patients were delivered by independent healthcare providers over the past year, a rise of almost 500,000 on the year before
Hundreds of thousands of people are receiving faster care due to the private sector, new data suggests.
More than 6 million tests and operations for NHS patients were delivered by independent healthcare providers over the past year, a massive bump of almost 500,000 compared to last year.
Official figures show that independent healthcare delivered an average of 19,000 surgical procedures and 100,000 outpatient appointments every week this financial year, helping slash NHS waiting times.
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This has finally seen the long waiting lists left by the Tories start to come down, plummeting by 206,000 over the past year.
Ministers say using spare capacity in the private sector is a crucial part in their battle to ensure that 92% of patients in England wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “I’ll do everything I can to get NHS patients treated faster, free at the point of use. This is a principled, progressive position, not just a pragmatic one. We’re not prepared to continue two-tier healthcare, when those who can afford it get treated on time, and those who can’t are left behind. Wealth shouldn’t determine health.
“This is just one reform which has helped deliver 5 million more appointments, grown NHS productivity, and cut waiting lists by 200,000. We are also investing in growing the NHS capacity, opening up CDCs and operating theatres at evenings and weekends, and bringing in modern technology like robotic surgery. Through investment and relentless reform, we will make sure every patient is treated on time, not just those who can afford to pay.”
The figures were welcomed by the Arthritis UK, with Chief Executive Deborah Alsina MBE labelling patient choice an “important tool” to speed up treatment.
She said: “We know that the longer people wait, the more impact this has on their lives and causes a further deterioration in their joints which results in more complicated and expensive surgery and too often worse health outcomes.
Sarah Tilsed, Head of Partnerships and Involvement at The Patients Association, said: “It’s encouraging to see more patients receiving the care they need sooner, with over six million NHS appointments, tests, and operations delivered through the independent sector in the past year.
“Every patient who has their treatment brought forward no longer has their life on pause and is able to take the next step in their care journey.”