Is the NHS being privatised?

New article published by the King's Fund

Following the Health and Social Care Act 2012, the number of contracts awarded to private providers increased, though there is little evidence of a significant increase in spending on private providers or widespread privatisation of NHS services. In many cases the use of private providers to treat NHS patients reflects operational challenges within NHS providers and is a continuation of longstanding practices. Provided that patients receive care that it is timely and free at the point of use, our view is that the provider of a service is less important than the quality and efficiency of the care they deliver. More positively, the NHS can benefit from partnerships and joint ventures with the private sector to deliver some clinical and non-clinical services.

Acting without delay: How the independent sector is working with the NHS to reduce delayed discharge

This report from the NHS Partners Network highlights examples where the independent sector is working with the NHS to avoid delayed discharges of care.

Complex picture of NHS community care revealed by new analysis

New analysis by the Health Foundation has revealed that while the biggest contracts for community care are held by NHS providers, the health service is also reliant on services offered by charities, local authorities and private sector companies. Most contracts are short-term and the majority of non-NHS contracts are for relatively small sums.

The role of the independent sector in the NHS: Busting the myths

This publication from the NHS Confederation takes a look at the independent sector and dispels four myths on its role in the NHS.