Charity sector is big business in health, raising £1bn a year. NHS spends £2bn buying services from the not- for-profit and voluntary sector. But there are concerns about scale of charities' involvement. Critics say work with NHS means money ends up in wealthy communities.
The NHS charity sector is dominated by big London hospitals. The Royal Marsden and. Great Ormond Street charities are responsible for a sixth of the investment. Made by NHS charities. But there are inequalities.
71% of health charities say their contracts do not meet demand. Many use their own donations to keep going. NHS England says it is adamant charities remain a valuable partner. The current 10-year plan aims to build on the potential of these partnerships.
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