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Dr Howard Freeman, Clinical Director of the NHS Partners Network responded to the Health Foundation report 'A year of plenty? An analysis of NHS finances and consultant productivity'

“Independent providers used by the NHS offer high quality services to patients which are paid for at NHS tariff prices, to NHS standards and free at the point-of-use.

“As the Health Foundation’s report rightly points out, the independent sector plays a key role in providing extra capacity during times of huge service pressures – a vital source of support which helps reduce patients’ waiting times. Patients also have the legal right to choose whether they receive NHS treatment in an NHS hospital or in the independent sector, allowing many to receive care more quickly.”

Health Foundation report - A Year of Plenty