NHS Reform Savings

The Independent Doctors Federation welcomes the Health Secretary’s announcement to reinvest NHS reform savings directly into patient care.

Cutting unnecessary bureaucracy and streamlining NHS structures could free up over £1 billion a year, funding that not only reduces waiting times and improves outcomes, but also strengthens collaboration between public and independent sectors to deliver faster, more flexible care.

The value of the independent sector is already clear: in the past year alone, independent providers delivered more than 6.15 million NHS-funded appointments, tests and operations, helping to reduce backlogs and ease pressure on overstretched services.

With the right approach, this reinvestment can benefit both the NHS and the independent sector, making the whole system more efficient, resilient and responsive to patient needs.

To make the most of this opportunity, we urge policymakers to ensure that reinvested savings support:

• Incentives for employer-backed health schemes
• Local partnerships with independent providers

As the NHS transitions toward a more community-based, prevention-led model, it will be essential to tap into the expertise, flexibility and capacity of independent doctors to meet rising demand and improve access for patients nationwide.