IDrF Statement on the 10-Year Health Plan

The publication of the 10-Year Health Plan represents a significant moment in the future direction of UK healthcare. The Independent Doctors Federation (IDrF) welcomes the Plan’s clear recommitment to utilising private sector capacity, not just to support elective recovery, but also to actively expand NHS provision in underserved areas.

The government’s decision to enter discussions with private providers to strengthen delivery in the most disadvantaged regions is a step we strongly support. Additionally, the proposed development of a business case for Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the creation of Neighbourhood Health Centres shows renewed openness to structured collaboration, particularly where NHS capacity constraints persist.

We also note the Plan’s recognition that “we will continue to use private providers to improve access and reduce waiting times… and will not let spare capacity go to waste on ideological grounds.” This aligns with the IDrF’s long-standing position: that the independent healthcare sector must be viewed as a strategic asset in relieving system pressure, improving access and ensuring timely care for patients.

Importantly, the Plan also acknowledges a growing public appetite for private healthcare, with out-of-pocket spending increasing faster in the UK than in any other G7 country and nearly half of younger adults now saying they would consider paying for treatment. This shift in patient expectations must be matched by policy that ensures private provision is integrated, incentivised and accessible.

The IDrF urges government and NHS leadership to include independent clinicians and representative bodies in ongoing planning and implementation discussions. Independent doctors provide high-quality, flexible care and are ready to contribute to mixed delivery models where efficiency, innovation and patient benefit can be maximised.

In line with our submission to the 10-Year Health Plan call for evidence, we will continue to call on policymakers to:

• Ensure patients with private healthcare coverage can access private settings for care when clinically appropriate.
• Improve the effectiveness and reach of private medical insurance as a gateway to the independent sector.
• Expand independent sector use in select NHS services where capacity shortfalls persist.
• Encourage fair, transparent public-private collaboration through reformed PPP models.

Finally, we welcome the Plan’s ambition to mobilise both public and private investment in research and innovation, particularly in the prevention, detection and treatment of long-term conditions. The IDrF supports a vision where the independent sector is not only a delivery partner, but also a driver of transformation across the NHS.

As the leading voice for independent doctors across the UK, the IDrF remains committed to advocating for a fair, transparent and collaborative health system, where all providers are empowered to deliver the highest standard of care.