The Private Patients Forum (PPF) is looking for a new CEO as it broadens its funding support base and drives towards an expanded role in the private health sector.
PPF is now launching an ambitious strategy to increase its impact and build support for its role in giving private patients a voice across the industry.
Established five years ago, PPF has become a key resource for patients looking for information before they receive care and somewhere to share their experiences afterwards.
It has also become the voice of patients among key public stakeholders such as the Care Quality Commission, General Medical Council and Competition & Markets Authority.
Don Grocott, current director of The Private Patients Forum said: "We've made an excellent start with much appreciated support primarily from key hospital groups and now we must build momentum to be the champion that patients need, delivering in a way that all the industry can support
"Two things need to change: PPF must bring in more energy and capability, becoming stronger, more diverse and more responsive. We need the industry to get fully behind this with more financial and moral support, showing the confidence to listen to and learn from its customers."
Fiona Booth, chief executive of the Association of Independent Healthcare Organisations (AIHO), said "The wellbeing of patients is of paramount importance to the independent sector. Ensuring that the patient voice is heard is essential to maintaining the very best standards of care.
"PPF has proved itself as an important representative group for patients, and AIHO looks forward to working with them further as they continue to flourish."
Matt James, chief executive of the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN), added: "Our experience suggests that to build trust among patients you first have to build trust within the industry. I hope that the private hospitals and insurers will get behind PPF's mission and new leader."
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