Britons now budget for healthcare amid NHS queue crisis

Recent research indicates a significant shift in public perception regarding healthcare in the UK, with many individuals now anticipating the need to pay for private services due to long NHS waiting times. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation's study, conducted by Loughborough University, highlights that a record number of people are opting for private healthcare, with 898,000 admissions to private hospitals in 2023 alone. This trend has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased frustration over lengthy waits for NHS procedures. The study reveals that individuals are budgeting for private healthcare, particularly for services like dentistry, physiotherapy, and counselling, which are increasingly difficult to access through the NHS. The foundation's minimum income standard suggests that a single person needs £26,800 annually to live with dignity, while a couple with two children requires £66,200. This financial pressure is prompting more people to seek private treatment, with 272,000 individuals using personal funds for operations in 2022, a notable increase from previous years. Political leaders, including Keir Starmer and health secretary Wes Streeting, have acknowledged the challenges facing the NHS, attributing them to years of neglect by previous governments. They have committed to addressing long waiting times and restoring NHS targets. However, critics warn that the increasing reliance on private healthcare could lead to a two-tier system, undermining the founding principles of the NHS. Experts argue that the trend of budgeting for healthcare costs reflects a broader issue of accessibility and quality within the NHS, emphasizing the urgent need for increased investment to ensure timely and equitable care for all citizens.