Improving Patient Safety in Independent Healthcare

Patients, regulators, politicians, journalists and clinicians are all taking a renewed interest in the operations of independent hospitals. Recent care failings in the UK have put the spotlight on all hospitals to prove that the care they offer is effective, compassionate and, above all, safe.

The sector should welcome such interest and scrutiny from all sides, because independent hospitals have a strong story to tell on patient safety. Reported incidents are low, and patient satisfaction is high – but there is no room to be complacent. Incidents, when they do occur, need to be reported in a standardised and accessible format so others can learn and trends can be quickly spotted. Everone need to come together to share stories and best practice to ensure that every patient is well looked-after – be they self-paying, insured or cared for on behalf of the NHS.