Both Independent Sector and NHS members have voiced the need for a genuinely level playing field in the provision of care under the NHS banner. The choice agenda and the current focus on a plurality of different providers at local level to meet patient needs are key strategic issues for Independent Sector members. Our work in this area has focused on the following five areas:
Steve Barnett, Chief Executive, NHS Confederation addressed November's independent sector forum. In his presentation, Steve emphasised how the NHS Confederation is keen to engage its independent sector members in its strategic review.
The strategic review is currently being carried out within the NHS Confederation and involves all its networks. The Review assesses the work that networks do, services they provide and also the value they create to members across the full range of healthcare issues.
Delegates at the November forum provided their thoughts on how the independent sector can engage more effectively with our networks in the future. Steve was also joined by David Worskett, Director, NHS Partners Network and Steve Shrubb, Director, Mental Health Network. Following this forum a paper will be written and presented to independent sector members in the New Year.
The issue of The Department of Health's document for NHS guidance on planning for disruption to road fuel supply was raised by our independent sector members at November's forum. The document gives interim guidance to NHS organisations to assist with their business continuity management planning in response to a reduction of the normal availability of road fuel. Not included in the guidance is a provision of business continuity planning for non-DH or NHS providers.
The NHS Confederation will keep its independent sector members informed of developments on this issue. You can read the report in full on the Department of Health website. Please contact martin.panther@nhsconfed.org for more information or to share your comments.
We have been lobbying on the current review of health and social care regulation and the new licensing arrangements for independent sector providers of NHS services.
After consultation with Independent Sector members, the NHS Confederation produced a response to the Healthcare Commission's document 'Regulatory fees for the independent healthcare sector in 2007/2008'. Read more.
We have been looking at how specific elements of tariff structures benefit the NHS over the independent sector and vice versa.
With numerous imbalances between the different sectors in terms of training, pensions, additionality and loss of staff, among others, we are working with NHS Employers on issues affecting our Independent Sector members.
We are working on the need for strong commissioning with a local focus and an improved level of commissioning expertise - there needs to be a systematic approach and a broad understanding of the benefits that accrue from having a diverse range of providers.
We are looking at the significant policy gains to be made from joint ventures between the NHS and the independent sector in terms of increased local level capacity and a greater number of services in response to patient needs.
Last reviewed 9 Dec 2008