Independent healthcare fees: consultation analysis report - SG response

Findings of the Consultation and Analysis Report

We have now published the responses to the consultation. The links to the Consultation Analysis Report and We Asked, You Said, We Did can be found here.

The consultation received 105 responses, of which 83 were from individuals and 22 were from organisations. The majority of respondents identified themselves as being affiliated with an independent healthcare service, either identifying as the owner or working for such businesses.

We anticipated that the responses may be weighted against increasing fees and the headline findings from the analysis report support this. The headlines are as follows:

53% of respondents did not agree that the regulation of independent healthcare services should continue to be funded through fees charged by HIS to private providers. 46% did agree, with only one respondent not providing an answer to the question.

83% of respondents did not agree with the proposed maximum fees that HIS can charge for the commencement of the regulation of independent medical agencies. Only 15% agreed, and 2 respondents did not answer the question.

87% of respondents did not agree that the proposed increases to the maximum fees HIS can charge are required. 13% did believe the increase in fees is required.

When asked about alternatives to the fee increases, 50% of respondents suggested that non‑healthcare professionals should be registered. 34% felt that fees should be based on the size of the business. Other suggestions included regulating cosmetic services, basing fees on business size and services provided, and central funding by the Scottish Government.