This morning’s data from the ONS shows that over one in five (21%) adults are currently waiting for NHS treatment – whether that is an appointment, a test or to start receiving treatment.
 
It totals around 11 million people, of which over 7 million adults are ‘persistent’ waiters according to the ONS. The proportion of adults waiting for treatment rises to a third (33%) among people who are economically inactive for reasons other than being retired – such as a long- or short-term illness.
 
The ONS’ previous data on the effect of winter pressures on the NHS demonstrated the shift to private treatment with 6% (over 3 million people) saying that they had either paid for private care or had private insurance pay for some or all of their treatment because of the wait for the NHS.
 
Brett Hill, Head of Health & Protection at leading independent consultancy Broadstone, commented: “As the NHS waiting list continues to swell, it is little surprise to see such a persistently high proportion of adults reporting delays to appointments and treatment.
 
“The deteriorating health of the nation will inevitably cause ripples that will impact other areas of our day-to-day lives. The growth in economic inactivity because of long-term sickness and knock-on consequences for employers facing staff shortages are one such immediate problem we must grapple with.
 
“Demand for private treatment is accelerating, too, because the assumption that the public health service can guarantee our health no longer holds for the short- to medium-term. It leaves a vacuum that must be filled financially either by further vast investment in the NHS to tackle the current issues or by proactive steps from businesses to safeguard their most important assets – workers.
 
“Measures like implementing digital GP services and the provision of private medical insurance can help employees access treatment quickly and affordably, ensuring they can get on with their careers and personal lives. These are the urgent initiatives that are now a necessity for businesses and their employees to thrive.”