Private healthcare providers are assuming a growing role in delivering NHS services such as eye surgeries and ADHD assessments as health trusts strive to reduce the backlog of patients awaiting treatment.
Government data reveals that in 2024 alone, NHS services have been outsourced to 2,495 sites, compared to 2,000 for the entirety of 2022, according to analysis conducted by campaign group EveryDoctor.
The trend is especially notable in certain procedures, with over half of NHS cataract surgeries now performed by the private sector, a stark increase from less than a quarter five years ago.
NHS England acknowledges the vital role played by the independent sector in tackling lengthy wait times for care.
Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting has expressed support for leveraging the capacity of private healthcare to address the NHS backlog, while emphasizing a long-term goal of reducing reliance on private care.
Patients have welcomed the initiative, noting faster access to care amid extensive post-pandemic waiting lists, which currently include 7.5 million treatments pending – a decrease from the record high of 7.8 million in December.
However, concerns have been raised by some doctors regarding potential patient risks associated with private outsourcing. There are worries that private firms may prioritize simpler cases, potentially leaving complex cases untreated.
Henry Shelford, CEO of ADHD UK, lauds the use of private outsourcing to address the significant backlog of ADHD assessments, citing life-changing benefits for patients.
Nevertheless, questions remain about the transparency and efficacy of contracts between the NHS and independent providers. The British Medical Association has voiced concerns about the lack of transparency and the potential to fragment and destabilize services.
Despite these concerns, NHS England stresses the importance of utilizing all available capacity to reduce waiting times. The Care Quality Commission monitors and inspects private healthcare providers to ensure patient safety standards are met.
David Hare, chief executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network, emphasizes the crucial role of independent providers in clearing the backlog of care. He highlights that ophthalmology, where waiting times have decreased since 2019, is among the specialties benefiting from increased use of the independent sector.
