The NHS Right to Choose (RtC) empowers patients to actively select their healthcare provider for NHS-funded treatments, including those offered by private entities contracted with the NHS. This policy aims to enhance patient autonomy, reduce waiting times, and foster competition within the healthcare system. While the RtC has broadened access and benefited both patients and private providers, its implementation has created challenges for Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and may result in changes that undermine its positive impact on patients.
Introduced to shift the balance of power towards patients and drive improvements in service delivery, the RtC has significantly impacted ICBs. It has created budgetary uncertainties due to less predictable patient flow and the need to manage diverse provider costs. The increased utilization of private providers through the RtC has also placed additional strain on NHS resources, demanding a more competitive service model from traditional NHS trusts.
The RtC has yielded a powerful growth trajectory for private providers. While the initial commitment to integrate with the NHS involved navigating intricate processes and substantial financial outlays, this strategic investment is now paying dividends. Patients are responding positively to the agility and accessibility offered by private providers, particularly those delivering virtual consultations. This has propelled a surge in patient volume and accelerated business scaling.
This growth may be threatened, however, as some ICBs have consulted about potentially capping the funds paid to private providers via the RtC. While the NHS budget is strained, and difficult decisions are necessary to provide the best service to as many patients as possible, ICBs should embrace competition. The willingness of patients to utilise the RtC reflects their desire for increased flexibility and accessibility.
If ICBs proceed with these price caps, independent providers will be forced to reduce patient volumes, inevitably driving up waiting lists and likely leading to more patients paying private providers directly. Private providers play a crucial role in the NHS, and their presence, investment, and innovations should be embraced.
Alpha Helix has considerable experience working with NHS-focused private providers, and in the last six months has successfully facilitated transactions with Physiological Measurements Limited, Healthshare Limited, CIS Oncology Limited, and Sussex Community Dermatology Limited. To learn more about our work on these transactions or discuss market trends, please get in touch.