The Health Secretary has published a letter to private providers in light of a critical CQC report on the independent health sector. Measures and issues outlined in his letter include: 

1. Exploring an 'inadequate' regime for private hospitals; 

2. Greater transparency (data collection) obligations; 

3. The possibility of cost recovery for NHS treatment provided in consequence of negligent private treatment; 

4. Addressing a lack of supervision and governance of consultants.

The sector is asked to reply within two weeks.

I am not convinced that in those cases where the NHS is obliged to deal with the consequences of negligent care from the Independent Sector that NHS hospitals are getting fair remuneration. I have asked my officials to develop proposals to ensure that where NHS organisations bear the costs of negligence, they are better able to secure payment that reflects actual costs from your sector.