Data transparency needed as CQC releases independent healthcare report

Today the Care Quality Commission (CQC) released its analysis of the care delivered in acute independent hospitals, following their inspections of over 200 independent hospitals in England.

The CQC provides reassurance of the overall standard of care delivered in independent hospitals, with 70% of hospitals being rated as either good or outstanding.

The CQC found that most patients have prompt access to effective treatment and experience personalised care from highly skilled and caring staff, with 89% of hospitals rated as good and 11% were rated as outstanding for how ‘caring’ their services were.

While the report highlights many examples of good care, it also shows variation in quality and clear scope for improvement. Almost a third of hospitals (30%) were rated as requires improvement. The lack of formalised governance procedures was cited as an area of concern for some hospitals, which meant that there was a risk that poor practices were not always picked up or challenged in the way they should be.

Commenting on the findings from the CQC, Matt James CEO of PHIN says, “While the report launched today should reassure many patients that they can expect good and responsive care from the majority of independent hospitals, it also highlighted specific areas, such as data transparency and clinical governance, where improvements must be made.

PHIN welcomes these findings as we continue our role of building better information for patients and greater transparency in private healthcare. The work that PHIN is undertaking alongside hospital providers and the CQC will have significant benefits for patients, it will enable better informed choices and assist regulation with more detailed information on quality and safety than ever before. Patients considering private care should expect reassurance both as to quality of care and hospital provider willingness to learn and improve.”

Read the CQC report here.