The NHS Partners Network was formed in 2005 to provide a voice for private health companies, and was initially made up of organisations involved in the government’s Independent Sector Treatment Centre programme. It is part of the NHS Confederation, an independent membership body for organisations in the National Health Service. Members pay an annual subscription of between £7,000 and £40,000 a year.
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The members of the NHS Partners Network are independent healthcare providers from large hospital groups, diagnostics providers, third sector organisations and primary and community care providers. The supposed diversity of independent providers is claimed to enrich NHS services by offering innovative approaches and providing additional resources and capacity, to deliver quality care to NHS patients, free at the point of delivery. Some of the companies have financial connections to MPs, Lords or former MPs.
Organisation
Following a vote at the 2007 NHS Confederation Annual Conference, the network now sits alongside the other networks of the NHS Confederation. Since Autumn 2008 membership to the network has expanded to include independent sector healthcare organisations providing NHS patient care in primary and community care, in addition to diagnostics and acute and elective surgery.
The Network is led by a seven member board made up of member representatives who each lead a work stream. The board meets quarterly, normally followed by an event for members with a guest speaker.
Stephen Collier Chief Executive of BMI, has been Chairman since April 2010. David Worskett was the first director. David Hare has been Chief Executive since November 2013.
NHSPN Members
The organisations that are or have been members of the Network: