Hundreds of thousands of patients are receiving faster NHS treatment thanks to the government’s partnership with the independent sector, ensuring care is delivered free at the point of use.
Over the past year, independent providers delivered more than 6 million tests and operations—almost 500,000 more than last year. On average, they perform 19,000 surgical procedures and 100,000 outpatient appointments each week, treating over 1.1 million people.
This partnership is central to the government’s goal that 92% of patients in England wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment. Waiting lists have already fallen by 206,000 over the past year.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:
“We’re committed to getting NHS patients treated faster, free at the point of use. Wealth shouldn’t determine health. Using independent providers, expanding NHS capacity, and modern technology like robotic surgery ensures every patient is treated on time.”
Alongside this partnership, the government has introduced several initiatives to reduce waiting times:
- Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) open 7 days a week, delivering over 8.7 million tests since July 2024
- 22 new surgical hubs and expansion of 12 existing hubs
- Weekend high-intensity theatre sessions in 50 hospitals, performing a week’s planned operations in a day
- NHS Online, providing up to 8.5 million digital appointments over three years
The independent sector supports patient choice, helping reduce waits by up to five months in some areas. For example, South East patients needing general surgery, like hernia operations, can cut waits from 27 weeks to just 6 weeks by choosing a hospital with shorter queues.
Sir Jim Mackey, NHS Chief Executive, said:
“The independent sector is helping bring down waiting lists and ensure patients get NHS care faster. Maximising this capacity is clearly working for patients.”
David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), added:
“Independent providers deliver around 10% of NHS elective activity. This partnership is providing record numbers of appointments, tests, and scans, all free at the point of use.”
Patient groups highlight the impact. Deborah Alsina MBE, Arthritis UK, said:
“Faster access to hip and knee replacements reduces unnecessary pain and prevents further joint deterioration, improving outcomes and reducing future costs.”
Sarah Tilsed, Patients Association, added:
“Over 6 million NHS appointments, tests, and operations were delivered through the independent sector last year. Bringing treatment forward helps patients take the next step in their care journey.”
By combining NHS capacity with independent providers, the government continues to reduce backlogs, expand patient choice, and ensure timely treatment for those who need it most.
Source: Health & Social Care
