Labour has repeatedly claimed that the Conservatives are attempting to privatise the NHS by stealth.

But the NHS plan published in February stated: “Our ambition is to ensure that there is a system in place that puts the needs of patients first. To achieve this, we need to use all forms of high quality provision as part of a coordinated system-wide approach to support patients in the best way possible.

“Independent sector providers have a significant role to play in supporting the NHS as trusted partners to recover elective services, including cancer, as they have throughout the pandemic.

“In addition to creating additional capacity for patients, the independent sector can support the NHS’s ambition for innovation and efficiency. Elective care boards within each integrated care system have been established to bring together local providers, including the independent sector, to agree priorities and solve operational challenges.

“Systems will work with the independent sector within the context of their broader recovery strategy, population and local plans.”

Mr Javid has pledged to give patients a “right to choose” alternative NHS trusts or receive government-funded treatment in a private hospital if faced with long waiting times.

A Department of Health spokesman said: “The independent sector has been used extensively throughout the pandemic and has played a hugely important role – sharing access to more private hospital staff, equipment, facilities and diagnostics as well as providing additional capacity to support the rise in Covid cases due to the omicron variant.

“It is also a vital provider and partner for the NHS in tackling the Covid backlogs as set out in the recovery plan.”