According to a survey commissioned by the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR), it is estimated that at least one in six people have turned to private healthcare due to difficulties accessing the National Health Service (NHS) since 2020. The most common reason for seeking private care was to avoid the extensive waiting lists of the NHS. The survey revealed that almost half of those who required healthcare services since 2020 experienced difficulties accessing them, while 40% did not. However, a quarter of the respondents either did not require healthcare services or could not remember if they had any issues accessing them.
For individuals living with health conditions that significantly impact their daily lives, 51% faced challenges accessing NHS care, while 40% did not. The survey also found that more than one in six individuals resorted to using private healthcare, with this number increasing to over a third when including dental care.
The survey also highlighted disparities based on socioeconomic backgrounds, indicating that 23% of people from affluent backgrounds sought private healthcare compared to only 10% from less affluent backgrounds.
Furthermore, a report published by the Private Healthcare Information Network (PPIN) in May revealed that there was a record increase in the use of private healthcare services. In 2022, there were 820,000 private admissions, an 8% increase compared to the previous year and the highest number on record.
These findings coincide with a study that revealed the NHS lagging behind many comparable countries in terms of health outcomes. The study conducted by The King’s Fund suggested that while the NHS effectively protects individuals from the financial burden of healthcare, it performs less satisfactorily in key areas such as life expectancy and preventable deaths.
One significant factor contributing to the difficulties faced by patients is the prolonged waiting times for treatment. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the average waiting time for treatment in England rose to nearly 20 weeks, according to NHS figures. Although waiting times have reduced since late 2020, they remain significantly higher than before the pandemic. In April 2023, the median waiting time was 13.8 weeks, almost double the time compared to April 2019.
Similarly, waiting times in Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments have remained high. In May, around 122,423 people in England waited for more than four hours before admission, an 83% increase compared to April 2019.
The situation has been exacerbated by industrial action taken by healthcare workers, including nurses, doctors, and ambulance staff, who have been involved in disputes over pay and working conditions. Although the recent dispute between nurses and the government has subsided, junior doctors launched a new five-day strike. The British Medical Association (BMA) initiated the strike, demanding pay restoration to account for inflation. Consequently, hospitals will face ongoing strikes, with hospital consultants planning a two-day strike, and the Society of Radiographers announcing a 48-hour action.
NHS Providers’ deputy chief executive, Saffron Cordery, expressed concerns about the impact of these strikes on patients, as thousands of procedures and appointments had to be rescheduled during eight months of strikes. Cordery noted the potential harm caused by treatment delays and emphasized the erosion of trust between hospital leaders and staff.
Overall, the survey results and reports highlight the challenges faced by individuals in accessing NHS care, leading to an increasing number turning to private healthcare options. The prolonged waiting times and ongoing strike actions further contribute to the strain on the healthcare system and potential harm to patients.