Working in the independent sector
Recent years have seen a growing demand for private services, with a significant proportion of elective surgery carried out in private hospitals. The NHS and the independent sector have evolved to include a range of interdependent measures and supporting structures to meet the demands of the service and the patient population.
However, recent developments have seen an important part of the surgical capacity being compromised due to the specific challenges facing the private sector in surgery and anaesthesia. This guide aims to provide advice and support to those who work or would like to work in the independent sector, while ensuring that the same standards of care are applied in both the NHS and private practice.
Who is this guide for?
This guide is for all surgeons and members of the surgical team whose practice includes work in the independent sector, or those who plan to work in the independent sector in the future.
What can I learn from this guide?
This guide provides practical advice for members of the surgical team on what to consider when setting up their practice in the independent sector, including:
- Regulation
- Insurance
- Indemnity
- Data controller registration
- Working under practising privileges, and more.
It also provides advice on balancing work in the NHS and in private practice, how to maintain good standards of patient care, quality and safety, and obligations to collect and publish data.
