We also asked NHSE whether its increased use of the independent healthcare sector might detract from or reduce activity within the NHS itself. NHSE told us that this was a key consideration in decisions about when to use the independent sector. It confirmed that it was working to support NHS and independent sector providers to work as productively as possible together.38 32 C&AG’s Report, para 8, 1.24 33 Q 61 34 Q 62 35 C&AG’s Report, para 1.25 36 C&AG’s Report, paras 8, 2.22, 2.29 37 NHS0021...

We also asked NHSE whether its increased use of the independent healthcare sector might detract from or reduce activity within the NHS itself. NHSE told us that this was a key consideration in decisions about when to use the independent sector. It confirmed that it was working to support NHS and independent sector providers to work as productively as possible together.38 32 C&AG’s Report, para 8, 1.24 33 Q 61 34 Q 62 35 C&AG’s Report, para 1.25 36 C&AG’s Report, paras 8, 2.22, 2.29 37 NHS0021 38 Qq 67, 69 Managing NHS backlogs and waiting times in England 13 3 Improving planning Improving strategic and programme management Type: conclusion | Number: 18 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: 4.2 The actions in the NHS published Delivery Plan are targeted at increasing activity, managing demand or increasing productivity and NHS England carefully monitors progress against delivery targets at regular intervals. 4.3 The 2023-24 priorities and operational planning guidance