The IHA comprises several divisions’ namely acute hospitals, long term care and mental healthcare. Founded in its current form in 1991, it was the mouthpiece for the independent hospitals. All the major independent hospital groups supported the IHA financially and met regularly to discuss policy and strategy.

There was some surprise therefore that an announcement was made in December 2003 that the acute healthcare division was to be disbanded from 1st January 2004. Chief Executive, Barry Hassell has announced his resignation. It remains to be seen what if any organisation will replace the IHA acute division.