The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), the Department of Health agency with prime responsibility for co-ordinating NHS and social care statistics, has confirmed that it is in discussion with a potential partner from the private sector.
A report in the Guardian said that the centre was negotiating to hand over work to Dr Foster, a private company set up five years ago to provide patients with comprehensible data about the health service.
The Information Centre confirmed it had identified a potential partner but said the discussions have yet not reached any conclusion.
“Whilst discussions are in progress it would be inappropriate to make any further comment. If any agreements are reached we will make a full announcement at the time,” said a prepared statement from the HSCIC.
A collaboration with Dr Foster would not be the first time private sector firms have been used for NHS statistical work. The HSCIC confirmed that Northgate were partners in delivering the Hospital Episode Statistics Service.
However, the timing of the negotiations is sensitive as different factions within the NHS and the wider political scene take positions on the government’s drive towards using more private providers in the service.
Expanding on the theme of private sector collaboration, the centre said: “Since its creation, the Health and Social Care Information Centre has maintained that it could be beneficial to work with a commercial partner to achieve the some of the authority’s aims.
“The information centre has been holding exploratory discussions with potential partners who could help in achieving its objectives. Any partnership would need to bring together the best of the public and private sectors in delivering services to the health and care systems and value to the taxpayer.
“This would potentially encompass private sector dynamism and customer focus alongside public sector ethics and professional expertise. Any venture would look to support public services through innovating and responding quickly to provide better information for decision-making.”
Martin Machray, the centre’s head of engagement emphasised: “We will do nothing to jeopardise our responsibilities towards national statistics.”