Summary
Independent sector involvement in the NHS has sparked fierce criticism. Andy Mullins and colleagues argue that it will be a catalyst for the innovation needed to ensure long-term survival of the service.
- Independent sector treatment centres (ITSC) can be a force for innovation, improvement and value in the NHS
- Despite accusations that ITSCs have an unfair advantage, they will eventually operate at tariff
- ITSCs’ independence means they are better placed than NHS bodies to use international best practice.
The overall message is that the independent sector's involvement in the NHS is not threatening to the existing service unless it refuses to change. If the service responds and learns the efficiency and quality of the services will improve – and we as a nation will still be able to afford them in the coming decades.
