Independent/private healthcare providers have delivered over 135,000 cancer treatments to both NHS and private patients throughout the coronavirus pandemic, according to new data compiled by the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN).
The figures show that almost 100,000 cancer treatments were delivered to NHS patients since the end of March 2020. This includes around:
- 50,000 chemotherapy sessions
- 15,000 cancer surgeries
- 20,000 cancer diagnostics tests
- 5,000 cancer endoscopies
- 10,000 cancer imaging procedures
The latest figures from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) show that independent/private sector providers were responsible for almost 35,000 medical oncology discharges from April to October 2020 alone.
IHPN chief executive David Hare said the past year has been a “hugely worrying” time for cancer patients, with the pandemic causing significant disruptions for thousands of people needing cancer treatment.
Hare said: “Working in partnership, the NHS and independent sector have gone to great lengths to ensure cancer treatment can continue during the pandemic and we would urge anyone with suspected cancer symptoms to immediately talk to their GP and get checked out.”
PHIN data on private patient activity can be found here.