The power of independent sector partnerships with the NHS
The Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) visited the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust’s mobile treatment suite, to see how it is supporting the NHS and helping to make a positive impact on patients.
Cath Williams
Published 06 March 2024
Clinical capacity
EMS Healthcare are proud members of Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN), which is a representative body and membership network for independent healthcare providers across the UK.
The Director of Policy and Delivery at IHPN, David Furness visited Royal Surrey NHS Foundations Trust’s mobile treatment suite to see the important role mobile units like this are playing in supporting the NHS with transforming care delivery.
Transforming the lives of patients with cancer
Working in partnership with LloydsPharmacy Clinical Homecare, EMS Healthcare is providing the mobile treatment suite which brings cancer treatment closer to the homes of patients.
With appointments for chemotherapy and immunotherapy in community locations, patients’ lives don't have to revolve around appointments and their diagnosis.
Director of Policy and Delivery at IHPN, David Furness emphasised the significance of independent sector collaborations with the NHS. “It’s no secret that the NHS is under pressure, there are capacity constraints across the system and mobile units are an important part of the picture to add capacity to that system, to make sure patients can get treated more quickly.
“One of the things that patients really like is the fact that it’s just very convenient. It’s easy to park, it’s easy to get to and stops potentially a longer trip to the hospital site. When you’re having something like cancer treatment, that’s really important that it’s accessible.”
Shortlisted for ‘Best Community Service Partnership with the NHS’ at the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Partnership Awards 2024, patient feedback highlights the difference the unit is making:
- 90% of patients now travel less than 20 miles for treatment
- 91% of patients start treatment within 10 minutes of arrival at the mobile unit
- 98% of patients found the parking at the mobile unit convenient
The power of partnerships
Collaboration is key to transforming the delivery of patient care and offering more flexible care options, by extending services beyond traditional hospital settings.
As a trusted partner of the NHS and independent health providers, we support hospitals and communities by creating additional clinical space within hospital estates or within convenient community locations.
EMS Healthcare’s Partnerships Manager, Cath Williams, who joined the visit, said: “Partnerships like these are key to supporting the NHS and this project is a prime example of what two independent providers can achieve when they come together.
“Often taken for granted, time is a precious gift, and the convenience and accessibility provided by the mobile unit means less time commuting and more time for what truly matters – spending moments with loved ones.”