NHS waiting lists are main reason people use or consider private care – poll

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Long NHS waiting lists are the most common reason for people opting for independent healthcare or considering using the private sector, a poll suggests. He added: “It suggests the performance data we are seeing and the almost systemic performance challenges across the NHS are clearly having a very tangible impact on people’s experience of care and are seeing the principle of NHS universality – free at the point of use – is not happening.” Health leaders have warned that the Government cannot allow the creation of a two-tier health system with those who can afford it going private while others are forced to wait for NHS care. “Future Government policy must bear this in mind and not instil a two-tier system in the NHS based on affordability that could put people off from seeking the help they need when they need it.” The Ipsos poll of 2,104 British adults also found that 45% of people would be less likely to seek routine medical care if there was a £8 charge for an overnight stay in hospital. “Tackling the NHS backlog is a huge challenge but decision makers must find a way to do so without exacerbating health inequalities, the extent of which has been laid bare by the pandemic.” An NHS spokeswoman said: “Record numbers of people are being treated by the NHS with waits of more than two years virtually eliminated and those waiting more than 18 months already down by over 20,000 since January – at the same time the NHS is carrying out more cancer checks than ever before, delivering millions more GP appointments compared to before the pandemic and dealing with the highest number of the most serious ambulance call outs in July.