The Independent Healthcare Provider Network (IHPN) has appointed Stuart Hammond, CEO of St Joseph’s Hospital, as the new chairperson for the network.
As the only membership network for independent healthcare providers and services in the UK, IHPN works to support providers to deliver excellent care, making a positive contribution to the UK healthcare sector.
Stuart Hammond takes on the role of chairperson for the Welsh branch following a vote from IHPN members across Wales. The vote recognised Stuart’s knowledge and extensive experience leading private healthcare facilities, supporting his aims for process improvement to minimise complications and improve patient outcomes.
Having recently collaborated with Professor Hamish Laing at Swansea University’s award-winning Value-based Health and Care Academy, Stuart’s focus lies in the value, rather than volume, of care, striving to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction, embedding leading healthcare theory into practice.
With over 20 years’ experience in the private healthcare sector, Stuart’s leadership at St Joseph’s Hospital, Newport, has seen the hospital improve waiting times and increase patient satisfaction, with a focus on personalised patient care and consideration for what each patient values most.
Since becoming CEO in 2018, Stuart has navigated the hospital through the pandemic, spearheaded significant advancements and investments in state-of-the-art MRI and CT scanning technology, and enhanced the hospital's standing as Wales' premier orthopaedic and ophthalmology centre.
Throughout his career, Stuart has been heavily involved with IHPN Wales. Attending national IHPN events and representing Wales in UK-wide healthcare conferences and summits, Stuart will lead the IHPN Wales Network for a three-year service.
Stuart Hammond, CEO of St Joseph’s Hospital, said:
“The independent healthcare sector in Wales is delivering care to increasing numbers of both NHS and private patients, and through the IHPN network, members can share learnings to improve processes and enhance patient outcomes.
“By combining our knowledge and sharing best-practice, we can ensure the Welsh private healthcare sector continues to thrive – all while providing patients with the best service at affordable rates.
“I look forward to leading as chairperson of IHPN Wales, especially in discussions around process improvement with members, policymakers, Welsh Government, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, and other IHPN members and stakeholders. Our goals are aligned: to improve patient outcomes in Wales. I am delighted to represent IHPN members as we work towards this goal, together.”
David Hare, CEO of IHPN, said:
“We are delighted that Stuart has been elected as chair of IHPN Wales. Independent healthcare providers play a vital role in delivering accessible, high-quality care in Wales, treating over a quarter of a million patients every year, and under Stuart’s leadership we look forward to further building on this work and ensuring the sector can play its full part in improving the health and wellbeing of the Welsh nation.”
