Summary
A watchdog in England reports that more people are using private healthcare due to long waiting times in the National Health Service (NHS). The survey found that the use of the private sector for medical care has increased, especially among wealthier individuals. The government aims to reduce these delays, but many still turn to private options to get quicker treatment or tests.
Key Facts
- Healthwatch England observed a rise in people using private healthcare in England.
- A survey showed 16% of people used private services in the last year, up from 9% two years ago.
- The main reason for turning to private care is long waiting times in the NHS.
- Wealthier individuals are more likely to use private healthcare; 35% of those earning over £80,000 went private last year.
- The NHS has a target treatment waiting time of 18 weeks, but nearly 40% of people wait longer.
- Private healthcare often allows quicker access to scans and tests, sometimes within 48 hours.
- Over 950,000 operations and treatments were done in the private sector in the UK last year.
- People are also using private healthcare for mental health and weight-loss treatments.
