ENT training and the independent sector

Abstract

An increase in training numbers and a general reduction in training opportunity have been well documented in the recent literature. Over the last few years the involvement of the independent sector in providing NHS-funded healthcare has steadily increased. Since 2000, the government has implemented the independent sector treatment centre (ISTC) programme, on which £2.7 billion of NHS money has been spent. Current plans in healthcare policy will further increase the role of the independent sector in providing NHS-funded healthcare. To date, the NHS-funded independent sector has been dominated by the ISTCs that were commissioned by the last government. These were commissioned directly from the department of Health, primarily to provide service provision. As a part of the commissioning process, a commitment to training by the ISTCs was also expected.