NHS Confederation - NHS Partners Network says CQC shows independent acute hospitals play a significant role

12 Apr 2018 09:27 AM

Dr Howard Freeman, Clinical Director at NHS Partners Network, responded to the Care Quality Commission's analysis of the quality and safety of care provided by independent acute hospitals across England

“We welcome the CQC’s report which highlights that 70 per cent of independent acute hospitals are rated good or outstanding, and play a significant role in delivering caring and responsive services for both NHS and private patients. Providing safe and high-quality care for patients is the top priority for independent hospitals and this important report from the CQC demonstrates the safety and quality of services being delivered, supporting patients to make the best choices about their own care.

“Where the CQC has identified areas for further improvement in independent hospitals it is encouraging that it has found that ‘providers have been quick to respond to inspection findings’, with over half of the independent acute hospitals re-inspected improving their rating.

“We look forward to working closely with the CQC and other bodies to ensure independent hospitals continue to focus on safe, high-quality and responsive care and the best possible patient experience.”

CQC analysis: Most independent acute hospitals are providing good care but stronger governance needed to improve patient safety