Accessibility to NHS care remains low with figures showing that in the past 28 days, 47,917 people tried to contact their GP, but 22 per cent were unable to get through on the same day, according to the latest ONS data.
Around 62 per cent of patients in England were uncertain about when they would receive their next appointment or treatment, and 1 per cent of patients were on a hospital waiting list. Nearly half or 48 per cent of people with chronic illnesses that interfere with everyday activities said they were unhappy with communication regarding wait times.
Broadstone client consulting director Emily Jones says: “Today’s ONS data reveals the growing difficulties facing NHS primary care services. We continue to see an alarming trend, with many people left in the dark about when they’ll receive vital treatments. For those with chronic health issues, the lack of clear communication about wait times only compounds the frustration.
“It’s also concerning that almost 11,000 people struggled to access GP services in the last 28 days. These delays in access mean many are missing out on crucial early intervention, leading to more severe health complications down the line.
“The new funding boost for the NHS announced in the Autumn Budget will hopefully improve this position, but it is likely to take years before a meaningful impact is seen, so it’s clear that employers will need to continue to fill critical gaps by expanding access to private healthcare provisions.
“Through introducing health initiatives like private medical insurance, health screenings, and on-site primary care, companies are stepping up to support their employees’ health and productivity.
“By catching serious conditions early and promoting preventive care, businesses are making a significant impact on the wellbeing of their teams and the workforce, and we expect this trend to continue while the NHS struggles to make progress with its waiting list backlog.”
