Demise of the Independent Healthcare Association (IHA)
January 2004

The IHA, which acted as the voice of the independent acute hospitals, has disbanded after Nuffield Hospitals and GHG (BMI Hospitals) announced they were resigning their membership towards the end of last year, though for markedly different reasons. Nuffield Hospitals is looking to realign itself, promoting its not-for-profit status and aiming at increased cooperation with the Department of Health.

However a new, possible temporary, body has emerged under the name “Independent Healthcare Forum” comprising most of the acute hospital groups including HCA, BUPA Insurance Hospitals, BMI and Capio along with Aspen and The London Clinic.

It remains to be seen what form and remit this new organisation will take and any impact this may have on independent practice.

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