Download our updated information on private care in the UK.

The latest data drop describing private elective care in the UK has been published today. This includes updated statistics on private patient volumes, length of stay, Never Events, infections, and health outcomes. 

The new measures show:

  • There were 18 Never Events reported against care delivered to private patients. In the previous 12 months (up to 31 June 2020) 20 events were reported.
  • 175 healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) were reported, at a rate of 16.7 per 100,000 bed days. An additional 22 infections were reported where a rate could not be calculated due to incomplete data. This compares to 275 in the previous 12-month period, with a rate of 22.5 in every 100,000 bed days. An additional 13 infections could not be calculated with a rate in this period.
  • There were 96 surgical site infections reported across the year, with an additional two where a rate could not be calculated. From the previous year the percentage risk of a patient developing an infection remained 0.2%.
  • Private activity grew in the 12 months ending 31 June 2021 from the previous year, with 669,925 private patient spells, up from 605,110 in the previous 12 months.

PHIN has also published statistics on NHS care delivered in independent hospitals over the same period.

Aggregated statistics showing activity, safety measures and health improvement at independent and NHS hospitals (where NHS hospitals also offer private treatment) is available to download below.