Private providers targeted in NHSE crackdown on poor quality care

NHS England has revealed plans to crack down on poor care being provided by mental health service providers. 

There will be a particular focus on independent units treating NHS patients, as just over a quarter of these providers are failing to meet quality standards. 

Official data shared with HSJ shows that of the 238 independent NHS mental health providers licensed by the Care Quality Commission in England, 174 (73 per cent) are classed as “good” or “outstanding”. The remaining 64 (27 per cent) either “require improvement” or are considered “inadequate”. 

There have been been national concerns about repeated service failures within the sector. Independent units are often used by NHS trusts for out of area placements – a practice it is trying to end – or to cope with the lack of acute mental health beds.

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Source: HSJ, 11 August 2022