- A report by Healthwatch England warns of an emerging 'two-tier' healthcare system in England, as more people are turning to private treatment due to lengthy NHS waiting lists.
- The proportion of individuals accessing private healthcare rose significantly from nine per cent in 2023 to 16 per cent in 2025, with higher earners more likely to pay for treatment.
- The primary reasons cited for this shift are lengthy NHS waiting times and a desire for greater convenience, alongside low public confidence in NHS hospital services.
- Despite this trend, NHS figures indicate the overall waiting list in England has decreased for the third consecutive month, reaching 7.25 million treatments by the end of January.
- Healthwatch England and healthcare providers urge faster action to address waiting lists and improve patient communication.
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