The Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) has published its first report covering health outcomes and risk of infections for privately-funded patient healthcare in the UK.

This is the first time that information on health outcomes has been published for patients receiving privately-funded care in the UK, covering more than 100 independent hospitals and NHS private patient units.

The report found that 98.8% of private patients treated either in an independent hospital or NHS private patient unit found improvement in their health following hip replacement surgery, while 95.3% of private patients reported improved health following private knee surgery.  

The data allows patients a clearer understanding of their risk of infection at 282 independent hospitals and NHS private patient units, accounting for an estimated 85% of privately funded admitted patient care across the UK.

The publication of this information follows a 2014 investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority, which found there was a lack of information about quality, safety and price for patients considering private treatment in the UK.

Andrew Vallance-Owen, chair of PHIN, said: “Thanks to the information published, patients have access to better information about private healthcare, and can have more informed conversations with their consultant and hospital about both their likely outcomes, and their potential risk of developing an infection.”

David Hare, chief executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network, added: “These latest figures demonstrate the high-quality care found across the independent hospital sector, with providers delivering excellent outcomes for patients. Having meaningful information such as patient reported outcome measures data at their fingertips is key in enabling patients to make more informed decisions about where to receive their care and we welcome PHIN’s work in this area.”