New ONS data shows that only a quarter of hospital patients are satisfied with how waiting list information is communicated. Karen Woodley, Head of Healthcare Distribution at The Exeter, discusses what the findings mean for patient confidence and the role private healthcare can play in supporting access to timely care.
“For most people waiting to access public healthcare, the waiting list is just the starting point. It can mean weeks or months of managing symptoms, waiting for updates and living with uncertainty about what comes next.
Data from The Exeter’s Consumer Health and Finance Tracker shows a third of UK adults aren’t confident the NHS would meet their needs, and that loss of confidence is often about more than waiting times alone. It’s also shaped by how informed, supported and reassured people feel throughout their healthcare journey.
Private healthcare can play an important role alongside the NHS by helping people access consultations, diagnostics and ongoing support more quickly when appropriate.
This not only gives patients greater certainty and reassurance during what can be a stressful time but can also help reduce pressure on healthcare services by providing additional routes to care. Ultimately, a healthcare system that draws on both public and private provision can help more people get the right support at the right time.”
