One in eight Britons have paid for private health services in the last year, amid frustration with delays in getting NHS treatment and a growing willingness to buy care using salary or savings.
New research by YouGov found that another 27% of people had considered going private, for themselves or a loved one, but decided against it, often because they couldn’t afford it.
Added to the 13% who did pay for care for themselves or someone they live with, that means that two in five people have either resorted to private clinics care or thought about doing so.
NHS campaigners said they feared that the findings show that it is becoming a ‘two-tier’ health service, that is now unable to provide timely care.
Of those who turned to private healthcare:
- 33% did so for the first time
- 48% would typically use the NHS
- 15% typically or always go private
- 53% went private to be seen more quickly
- 18% say it was their only option
- 15% said going private gave better services.
More information on this story and the poll here
