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Two-thirds struggle to book GP appointments and resort to self-treatment: research

by Muna Abdi
June 11, 2025
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Nearly two-thirds of UK employees struggle to book a doctor’s appointment and resort to self-treatment, according to Health Shield Friendly Society.

The Britain At Work report shows that 81 per cent of employees worry about pressure on the NHS, and access remains an issue, with 62  per cent finding it hard to get a GP appointment and 54  per cent struggling to see an NHS dentist.

Women are impacted more, with over half reporting difficulty accessing healthcare, 41  per cent say they have suffered because of it, and 59  per cent treat themselves without help, compared to 39  per cent of men. More women have difficulty booking GP appointments and NHS dentist visits, and nearly half of those needing dental care say they cannot afford it.

Millennials report the most pronounced challenges, with 65  per cent struggling to book a GP appointment, 49  per cent resorting to self-treatment, and 49  per cent experiencing negative effects from a lack of healthcare.

Health Shield director Paul Shires says: “These stark figures show that access to NHS services has become a struggle for many employees, with delays often forcing individuals to manage their health independently.

“It’s not clear exactly how people are self-treating. For some it may simply be a visit the pharmacist or choosing an over-the-counter solution. For others it may be a bigger concern, but it’s a trend that should be watched closely.

“Overall, these results reveal not just a national issue but a workplace challenge, as employee anxiety about healthcare access can impact both morale and performance.

“Although anxiety about the NHS has slightly decreased from 88  per cent in 2023 in our last report to 81  per cent now, the figures remain high.

“This should be a wake-up call for employers that their people across all age groups are struggling with access to healthcare – and that is going to impact the workplace.

“The Britain At Work Report also showed that employees took seven days off last year due to health-related issues. Of those, 47  per cent were due to general ill health and 29  per cent linked to mental health challenges such as stress or anxiety. It’s an issue that cannot be ignored.”

PTHR founder and chief energy officer Perry Timms says: “Access to healthcare is no longer just a public issue – it’s a workplace imperative. This report outlines the challenges employees face navigating delayed care and the widening gender and generational disparities.

“The call to action is clear: employers must lead with empathy, act with evidence, and build new practices that prioritise health as a strategic asset. The future of work is one where wellbeing isn’t a bolt-on – it’s baked in.”

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