IHPN response to NHS performance stats - patients can cut months off their wait by choosing a different provider

Responding to the latest NHS performance figures showing NHS waiting lists are at 7.6 million, David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), said:

“These latest figures show that millions of NHS patients are continuing to wait far too long to access the care they need to live happy and productive lives.

“Given these stubbornly high waiting lists, it’s vital that the public is made aware that they can cut months off their wait for care by exercising their right to choose a different provider for their NHS treatment.

“IHPN’s recent analysis found that across England, patients need to travel just 12 miles – around 25 minutes by car – to cut three months off their waiting time, with over seven in ten people stating they would be happy to travel more than 30 minutes outside of their local area to get treatment more quickly.

“This “right to choose” includes the ability to receive their NHS treatment, free at the point of use, in an independent provider and our analysis shows that 96% of people in England live within a 30 minute drive of an independent provider.

“While these rights have been in place since the last Labour government was in office, too few people are aware that the power is in their hands when choosing a healthcare provider, and we’re calling on the new Government to do more ensure the public are fully aware of their “right to choose” so that patients can access the quickest possible NHS treatment and lead the fulfilling lives they deserve”.