Distribution and quality of privately-funded general practices in England: a cross-sectional analysis.

Background: Public surveys indicate demand for privately-funded general practice services in England has increased. However, little is known regarding the number, location and quality of private general practices.

Aim: To examine: 1) the geographical distribution of private general practices across England; 2) the relationships between access, continuity of care and funding of NHS general practices with nearby private practices; and 3) the quality ratings of NHS and private general practices.

Determinants of quality in the independent and public hospital sectors in England.

Background: Increasing the use of independent providers has been proposed as a solution to the long waiting times at public hospitals generated by the postpandemic backlog for elective care. However, the profit-maximizing aims of some independent providers may risk cost-cutting behaviours and reduced care quality. Empirical evidence on the extent to which these concerns are borne out in practice is sparse.