I am committed to the principle that the NHS will always provide healthcare free at the point of delivery, regardless of ability to pay. This principle applies whether NHS-funded care is being delivered by an NHS, voluntary or independent healthcare provider. I know this informed the last Government’s agenda to make our NHS faster, simpler and fairer.
I strongly reject the view that independent sector providers should not be able to deliver treatment funded by the NHS. This approach would lead to much greater delays in patients being able to access treatment when they need it. Independent providers have a vital role to play in reducing NHS waiting times by allowing NHS patients to be treated in a private healthcare setting, freeing up capacity in NHS. This formed a critical part of the last Government's goal of cutting waiting lists whilst increasing the productivity of the NHS, so that tax contributions lead to better care for all.
Under the NHS Constitution, patients have “the right to access certain services commissioned by NHS bodies within maximum waiting times, or for the NHS to take all reasonable steps to offer you a range of suitable alternative providers if this is not possible.”
The previous Government worked to ensure the NHS has necessary investment to deliver better care for patients. Through the largest health capital investment in a decade, the last Government committed to delivering the hospital rebuilding programme, funding for new community diagnostic centres, surgical hubs and mental health urgent and emergency care facilities. In 2024, the last Government also committed billions in NHS funding for patient care and improving long-term NHS productivity.
I also note that the new Labour Government has explicitly recognised the importance of independent sector providers in the health service. While I share the desire for our NHS to deliver the best care, I believe that independent sector providers are a crucial part in cutting waiting lists and reforming the system. This in no way challenges the fundamental principle of the NHS.
