New NHS data showing A&E waiting times have fallen to their lowest level in five years has been broadly welcomed as a sign of improvement in urgent care performance. However, despite this progress, significant pressures remain across the wider system, with over 6 million people still waiting for treatment and recent industrial action adding further uncertainty around future demand and delays.
Commenting on the figures, Karen Woodley, Head of Healthcare Distribution at The Exeter, highlights both the short-term gains and the longer-term strain on services, alongside the increasing role private healthcare is playing in helping people access timely treatment and reduce disruption to everyday life.
“It’s great to see the waiting list heading in the right direction, and a real credit to NHS staff for the enormous effort that has gone into getting more patients seen, but with over 6 million people still waiting for care, the pressures faced by the public healthcare system will continue for the foreseeable future.
The recent resident doctors’ strike also adds a further layer of uncertainty as to whether these numbers will increase further. Health leaders have warned that even short periods of industrial action can take weeks to recover from in terms of rescheduled appointments and further delays.
In light of these challenges, it’s unsurprising that more people are exploring private options. The proportion of people accessing private healthcare rose from 9% in 2023 to 16% in 2025 – a significant jump in a short space of time.
Private medical insurance is increasingly playing an important role in helping people get the care they need, when they need it, avoiding the uncertainty of an open-ended wait and getting back to normal life sooner.”
