Independent Healthcare Provider Workforce Statistics

COVID-19 and the production of statistics

Due to the coronavirus illness (COVID-19) we anticipate that there might be some changes in terms of our regular statistical production. The current disruption to the UK could affect the quality of some of our statistics, such as lower accuracy, or it could mean there is less detail available, such as fewer local and regional breakdowns. In some cases, the production of some data series may need to be suspended. Alternatively, we may find there are advantages to using other data sources.

Decisions will be made on a case by case basis, taking into account what information is currently relevant given the situation, with the three pillars of the Code of Practice for Statistics (Trustworthiness, Quality and Value) guiding our decisions. Giving everyone access to statistics at the same time remains a fundamental principle of the Code, but where this cannot be maintained we will be open and transparent about this and any other potential effects on our statistics. These decisions will be underpinned by the Office for Statistics Regulation’s guidance on Changes to statistical outputs during the coronavirus outbreak.

We will keep you informed as developments unfold. We remain committed to providing the best and most accurate information we can, serving the public good at a time when it is needed the most.

Independent Healthcare Provider Workforce Statistics publication for data as at 31 March 2020

Following a formal representation from the Independent Healthcare Provider Network, NHS Digital have decided to pause the request for workforce information from IHPs at this time. Whilst this information is important, given all that is being done at present with many IHPs being entirely focused on supporting the NHS in its response to COVID-19, it is not the right time to be adding the extra burden of this data collection.

The next iteration of the Independent Healthcare Provider Workforce Statistics publication due for release in August 2020 will therefore not go ahead. We will continue to work with key stakeholders and update this website ahead of the next planned publication in the series, currently set for February 2021.