As demand for private healthcare soars, what does the future look like for the NHS and the way we access healthcare in the UK? Health Prem investigates.

4 minute read

With lengthy waiting times and difficulty accessing GP and dental appointments, more and more of us are favouring speed and convenience and turning to private healthcare in the UK. So, what does the future hold for the various branches of the healthcare world?

Private GPs

An article in March 2024 claims that almost 4 million people in the UK have paid to see a private GP, and almost half of 18 to 24-year-olds have opted to pay privately rather than wait for an NHS appointment.

Many private healthcare providers have reported a surge in demand for private GP consultations, with health insurer Vitality reporting that 40% of all its claims across the UK were now for private GP consultations - up from just 4% in 2015. Similarly, Spire Healthcare, which provides private GP services across the UK, reported a 41% increase in private GP consultations when compared to last year.

Private dentists

It’s no secret that NHS dentistry is on the decline in the UK. As a 2022 BBC investigation found that nine out of ten NHS dental practices in the UK are not accepting new adult patients and eight out of ten not taking on children, it’s little wonder that dental extractions due to tooth decay are the leading cause of hospital admissions in children aged six to ten.

Lack of access to an NHS dentist has led to an increase in people turning to private dentists and recent research found that people taking out dental insurance increased by 23% in 2021, and 22% in 2022, with around 3.8 million people now covered by private dental insurance.

Why are more patients turning to private healthcare?

The main reasons given by patients for bypassing the NHS and going straight to private healthcare are:

• Ease of accessing an appointment

• Greater convenience and flexibility

• Minimal waiting times

• Availability of private insurance through their employer

• More time spent with your healthcare provider

• More personalised care

• Higher quality care

• Being seen face-to-face

• More private options available locally

• Appointments more likely to be on time

• NHS appointments postponed or cancelled

The NHS

With the NHS still recovering from the backlog caused by the pandemic, and recent strike action compounding long-standing issues of chronic underfunding, staff shortages and problems with recruitment and retention, the future of the NHS in its current form remains uncertain.

A recent survey found that over half the population of the UK said the NHS is what makes them most proud to be British, with 55% of these stating that this is due to it being free at the point of use. However, one in four Britons accepts that this is unlikely to be sustainable. Of those questioned, only 25% expected NHS care to be free at the point of delivery in 10 years.

What is the future of healthcare in the UK?

While support for the NHS remains high, the increase in popularity of private healthcare over the past few years shows that many Britons are prepared to pay for treatment if it means ease of access, speed, and convenience.

While many are opposed to the privatisation of the NHS, private healthcare offers a welcome alternative for many looking to bypass issues such as difficulty accessing an NHS GP or dentist, long waiting times, and appointments being cancelled or postponed.

For many, the decision to go private also makes economic sense when compared to taking time off work or being unwell or in pain while waiting for an appointment on the NHS. It can also be argued, that, for those who can afford it, choosing to go private can help to relieve the burden on our already overstretched health service.

Changing healthcare in the UK

Healthcare in the UK is changing rapidly, with developments in technology such as AI, an increase in telemedicine and remote care and a shift towards private healthcare, particularly primary care such as GPs and dentists. Patients are increasingly looking for ease of access, minimal waiting times and convenience and the private sector is growing and developing to meet those needs.

One example of this is City Health Clinic Edinburgh, a clinic in Edinburgh city centre that offers private GP and dental appointments under one roof. Whether you are an Edinburgh local, or just visiting the city, City Health Clinic offers fast, convenient appointments to all including children, adults, individuals, and businesses. It is one of the most reputable private GP clinics in Edinburgh.

Services at Edinburgh City Health include:

• GP consultations

• GP for businesses

• Specialist referrals

• Health screenings

• Medicals

• Dental consultations

• A range of dental treatments including cosmetic dentistry and dental care plans.

City Health Clinic also plans to expand its services to include ultrasound screening for pregnancy and general health.

Conclusion: The Future

With the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare in the UK, change is the one thing we can be sure of. As the NHS continues to deal with the aftermath of the pandemic, attempts to embrace and implement new technology and struggles to meet the demands of an insufficient workforce, private healthcare offers a welcome alternative to many.

With the increase in demand for private GPs and dentists showing no signs of waning, and more private facilities becoming available to meet that demand, private healthcare is here to stay, and “going private” is likely to remain a viable and popular option for many in the future.