People turn to private health care to beat NHS waits, says watchdog

"Healthwatch England said feedback from patients combined with polling suggested use of the private sector is on the rise, with long NHS waits said to be a key factor. Private sector providers said alongside rises in people paying for treatment, some were also using the private sector to get scans and tests done before returning to the NHS, with their results, in a bid to get seen quicker."

"The survey of nearly 2,600 people in England found 16% of people had used the private sector in the past year, up from 9% two years previously. Four in 10 of those that had paid for care cited long NHS waits. The wealthier people are the more likely they are to use private healthcare, the poll suggested."

"I was in tremendous pain, but just could not get the help I needed from the NHS. I was lucky really that the policy change meant I could go private – I know not everybody has that opportunity."

Healthwatch England reports a growing trend of private healthcare use driven by lengthy NHS delays. Survey data from nearly 2,600 people shows 16% used private services in the past year, up from 9% two years prior. Long NHS waits motivated 40% of those who paid privately. Income significantly influences private sector usage: 35% of those earning over £80,000 went private compared to 10% earning under £20,000. Some patients obtain private scans and tests, then return to the NHS with results to expedite treatment. The government acknowledges the issue and commits to reducing delays. Individual cases illustrate the impact, with patients like Chloe Leckie turning to private hysterectomy procedures after NHS delays in endometriosis treatment.

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