14 January 2024
In a recent poll conducted by patient organisation Healthwatch England, it has been revealed that the perceived better quality of care and prolonged NHS waiting times are driving an increasing number of individuals towards private healthcare options. With insights gathered from over 1,700 adults, the survey sheds light on the factors influencing people’s decisions to seek alternative health services.
Quality of Care Takes Centre Stage
Among the respondents who accessed private healthcare in the past year, a staggering 37% believed that the private sector offered superior quality of care. This sentiment was even more pronounced among the 18% who considered but did not access private healthcare, with over half expressing a belief in the potential for better care in the private domain.
Long NHS Waiting Lists Fuel the Shift
The strain on NHS waiting lists emerged as a significant driver for private healthcare usage, with 34% of those surveyed citing lengthy waiting times as a key motivator. It appears that the frustration over delayed access to essential medical services is compelling individuals to explore alternatives.
Financial Disparities Amplify the Divide
Healthwatch’s research further exposed a concerning trend of income-based discrepancies in healthcare access. Those with higher incomes were found to be more likely to benefit from workplace perks such as private GP appointments, private mental health services, and physiotherapy. A stark contrast was evident, with only 4% of individuals earning up to £21,000 having access to workplace private GP appointments compared to a third of those earning over £76,000.
Two-Tier Healthcare System Concerns
Louise Ansari, CEO of Healthwatch England, highlighted the emerging disparities, stating, “Our polling shows that people who are more financially comfortable are much more likely to access free or discounted private GP appointments through their work than those who are less financially comfortable.” She further expressed concern about the one in seven people advised by NHS professionals to consider private healthcare, a financial burden many cannot afford.
Quality of care and waiting times are critical elements in patients’ healthcare journeys, often determining the significant impact on their well-being. In this realm of uncertainty, it becomes crucial to consider external factors affecting the daily lives of many individuals. By leveraging a network of doctors recommended by other healthcare professionals, Medmin not only aims to shorten waiting lists but also strives to offer the best possible care to individuals seeking the option of choice for ll. Medmin prioritises giving people choices as a core principle. They believe that having the freedom to choose your healthcare provider and location is essential for improving overall care quality. In a system with varying levels of access, Medmin is dedicated to offering options, ensuring that everyone, no matter their financial situation, can get the care they require.
Ansari.( December 2023). Poll reveals quality and NHS waits driving people to go private. Healthcare Markets UK. Retrieved from Healthcare Markets UK December/January 2024