Independent healthcare (private and voluntary)
In this section, you can find Information about the independent healthcare sector and the role that the Healthcare Commission plays in regulating this sector can be found here.
The term ‘independent healthcare’ refers to any private, voluntary, not for profit or independent healthcare establishment under the regulatory remit of the Healthcare Commission. This is defined as any establishment (or service, agency, practice or business) required to register with the Commission under the Care Standards Act 2000, as amended by the Health and Social Care Act 2003, and also comply with Private and Voluntary Health Care (England) Regulations 2001.
Independent healthcare regulation
The Healthcare Commission was set up under the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 to promote improvement in the quality of health and healthcare. In April 2004, the Healthcare Commission took over responsibility for regulating and inspecting the independent healthcare sector, which was previously the responsibility of the National Care Standards Commission (NCSC).
More about independent healthcare regulation
How can I register?
More information about independent healthcare registration with the Healthcare Commission.
Independent healthcare application forms
Forms for application, cancellation and variation of condition of registration along with guidance on their use and application. Please also read information on Criminal Records Bureau Checks.
Application for registration forms and guidance
Self-assessment tools
Details and downloadable inspection tools, including self-assessment forms.
Self-assessment and audit tools
Independent healthcare information
The Healthcare Commission is working with the Department of Health and the Information Centre to align information across the healthcare sector. This page contains information from the joint agency working group, updates on what we are doing around the information agenda and links to relevant websites.
More about independent healthcare information
Submission and use of performance indicators
A series of high-level indicators has been developed to help monitor the performance of providers in the independent healthcare sector. These indicators will be one of the factors taken into account when we assess a provider’s risk of non-compliance with national minimum standards and plan the frequency of inspections.
Submission and use of performance indicators
Cosmetic surgery
Information and advice regarding cosmetic surgery.
Registered independent healthcare providers
Search for registered services in your area. This will allow you to view inspection reports from the Healthcare Commission and relevant predecessors. The listing also includes reports of establishments that have since had their registration cancelled.
Independent health A-Z by organisation name
Consultations
Regulatory fees for the independent healthcare sector in 2008/2009 - closed consultation
Regulatory fees for the independent healthcare sector in 2007/2008 - closed consultation
Aligning our assessment of the NHS and independent healthcare sectors - closed consultation
Regulatory fees for the independent healthcare sector in 2006/2007 - closed consultation
The Healthcare Commission’s findings relating to the independent healthcare sector in England
Published: 4 December 2007
Statutory notification guidance
The Healthcare Commission must be notified of certain events, for example alleged misconduct, serious injuries, patient deaths or changes which may affect your registration.
In response to frequent requests from providers, we have produced guidance and template forms for the submission of statutory notifications. It is essential that we receive these notifications so that they can be logged, analysed and assessed in terms of risk. This helps us to target our inspections more efffectively.
Statutory notifications guidance (updated January 2008) (pdf 364kb) (opens new window)
Email declaration template (word version - updated March 7th 2007) (doc 69kb) (opens new window)
Notifications for Regulations 8,11,14,29,30,31,32,41(9) (word version - updated May 2nd 2007) (doc 155kb) (opens new window)
Regulation 28 Death Notifications: Guidance for Hospices (pdf 47kb) (opens new window)
Policy for the code of practice for searches of premises and the seizure of property found at premises
This policy sets out the code of practice to be used by Healthcare Commission assessors when involved in an investigation that may result in a criminal prosecution of independent healthcare providers regulated by the Commission.
Policy for the code of practice for searches of premises and the seizure of property found at premises (pdf 166kb) (opens new window)
Independent healthcare logo policy and form
If you are a registered provider/service and you wish to use the Healthcare Commission logo on your documentation, publications or signage, anywhere within your premises, you need to contact us with your request. If you are not registered with the Healthcare Commission you will not be allowed to use our logo. The policy below outlines the procedure and terms and conditions for using our logo.
Independent healthcare logo policy and form (pdf 37kb) (opens new window)
Most reports on this site are PDF files, to view any PDF file you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.