More people paying for care as NHS waits continue
People in North Yorkshire often tell us about long waits, difficulty getting appointments, and the impact this has on their health and wellbeing.
A recent national report from Healthwatch England helps explain why more people are now choosing to pay for care.
Nearly one in seven people said they had used private healthcare services in the past year. This is almost double the number reported in 2023.
The report looks at people’s experiences across health and social care, including GP services, hospitals, and mental health support. It found that long waits are the main reason people are choosing to go private, with many saying they felt they had little choice but to pay to be seen sooner.
However, not everyone has that option. People’s ability to pay varies, and the report highlights a growing gap between those who can afford private care and those who cannot. This means some people are able to access treatment more quickly, while others are left waiting longer, sometimes in pain or with worsening conditions.
Confidence in getting care on time has improved slightly since the last time this research was carried out, but it remains low across many services. This includes hospital care, mental health support, and GP appointments, where people continue to report delays and difficulties getting through.
We continue to hear similar experiences locally. People tell us about long waits for appointments, challenges contacting services, and uncertainty about what will happen next. For some, this leads to frustration and worry. For others, it can affect their health if care is delayed.
Why this matters
Access to care should be based on need, not on whether someone can afford to pay.
Understanding people’s experiences helps highlight where services are working well and where improvements are needed. It also shows the importance of making sure everyone can access timely care, regardless of their circumstances.
