Over the past 3 months, we have seen a significant push from NHSE for providers and ICBs across England to drastically reduce the number of patients waiting over 65 weeks for surgery. These efforts have led to tangible improvements for patients, families, and the NHS as a whole. Several private providers have played a key role in supporting the country’s drive to reduce waiting times, many of whom have done a stellar job. However, while the English waiting list is now starting to shrink, and the trend over the last two years suggests this will accelerate, there is still a long way to go to restore the 18-week standard.
There is still much work ahead, with the need to reduce the waiting list by around 4 million pathways to meet the 18-week target by 2029. However, focusing solely on cutting the list size could lead to prioritising easier cases over those who have been waiting the longest.
So, who are the private providers supporting these recovery efforts? Starting with the top provider:
Modality Group: This group of GP practices has been working through high volumes with providers across the country, delivering significant value to ICBs, NHS providers, and patients. A key strength of the Modality model is that patients are supported by NHS surgeons who also work within the NHS. For those on a non-admitted pathway, they can be seen nationally by this extensive network of GPs, who can continue their care in primary care settings for continuity. This approach aligns well with the NHS strategy to provide patient care in the community, all while addressing the waiting list. Modality delivers clinical services across a wide range of specialties, including ENT, gynaecology, dermatology, endoscopy, and orthopaedics.
18 Week Support: 18 Week Support is a UK-based healthcare provider partnering with the NHS to reduce patient waiting times for elective care. The company provides clinical services across specialties such as ophthalmology, endoscopy, and orthopaedics. Their primary focus is to help the NHS achieve the 18-week referral to treatment (RTT) standard. 18 Week Support offers flexible solutions, including weekend clinics, virtual consultations, and additional workforce capacity, helping NHS trusts manage high patient demand. Their services help alleviate pressure on NHS resources, improve patient access, and contribute to the overall reduction of waiting lists and enhanced healthcare efficiency.
Medinet UK: Medinet UK stands as a pioneering provider of elective care solutions to the NHS, delivering clinical excellence for over two decades. Having safely treated more than 2 million patients across over 100 NHS Trusts and Health Boards throughout the UK and Ireland, the organisation offers a comprehensive range of elective care solutions, including secondary care insourcing, bespoke modular solutions, and community care outsourcing. As elective pathway experts, Medinet maintains an unwavering focus on delivering safe, high-quality, cost-effective and patient-centric care across all specialties, with the mission to improve health outcomes for the population of the UK and Ireland.
Portland Clinical UK: Portland Clinical operates as a distinctive healthcare partner, providing frontline clinical and management expertise through insourced solutions across the UK. With decades of experience supporting NHS trusts and health boards, the organisation delivers seamlessly integrated, cost-effective care through their specialist teams, working in-house around the clock to manage demand and tackle waiting lists. Their comprehensive services include clinical insourcing, operational support, dermatology skin screening, and RTT management, all delivered with a distinctively personal approach that prioritises long-term clinical partnerships and patient care in full compliance with NHS guidelines.
Alliance Health Group: Alliance Health Group operates as a trusted NHS partner, providing comprehensive clinical insourcing solutions through their team of over 1,500 NHS-experienced doctors nationwide. Working seamlessly alongside internal NHS teams, they deliver flexible support during evenings and weekends to help departments manage pressure and reduce waiting times. With all their doctors holding active NHS positions, the organisation ensures swift integration and understanding of NHS environments, focusing primarily on enhancing patient outcomes while helping trusts meet their targets and maintain performance standards.
Dr. Naresh Rati, Partner and Clinical Lead at Modality comments on Modality Partnership’s aim to support patients and providers across the NHS: “Our primary focus is to support patients and their families to get back to doing the things which add value to their quality of life, this priority is supported by our focus on strong and lasting partnerships with NHSE regional directors, ICBs and providers to deliver for patients”
As the NHS strives to return to the 18-week RTT standard, continued support from private providers remains essential in getting patients the care they need faster, while also supporting the NHS's broader objectives around reducing waiting times.
To learn more about the work Modality Partnership is doing to support Trusts and systems across the country, visit: www.modalitypartnership.nhs.uk.
