Half of Brits are unaware that they can choose the hospital for their NHS operation, according to a recent study. This research comes after the Labour Government’s Elective Reform Plan was announced.
The Prime Minister said he aims to make the 18-week wait the norm instead of 18 months by making improvements to the NHS app and raising awareness that private surgeries can be used for NHS treatment.
The recent survey involving 2,000 adults found that 47% were unfamiliar with patient choice, with many under the impression that they are simply placed on a waiting list and have no alternative but to wait their turn, regardless of how long that is.
A quarter were oblivious to the fact that they could receive treatment in a private hospital as an NHS patient – with this rule applying to operations with lengthy waiting lists such as hip and knee replacements. One in five thought they would have to fork out extra to be seen at a private hospital.
At the timing of polling 14% of people polled were waiting for an operation, with nearly a fifth of those having been on hold for over twelve months.
The study was conducted by Practice Plus Group, a provider of both NHS and private surgeries. Its CEO, Jim Easton, expressed his enthusiasm saying: “It’s fantastic news for patients that the government is committed to ensuring more people exercise their right to choose.”
But he recognises there’s more ground to cover highlighting the need for a more long term partnership between the NHS and private hospitals. He also added: “We need to see more GPs empowering their patients to make choices about their healthcare.”
Interestingly, those in the know regarding their right to choose have learned from sources such as friends, family, or media rather than directly from their healthcare providers.
This was the case for former ‘Great British Bake-off’ favourite Val Stones, aged 74, who took matters into her own hands, opting for her NHS-funded hip replacement at a private clinic, significantly shortening her wait. After visiting her GP about her inability to walk, stand straight, or sleep due to the pain, she got referred to a local NHS centre.
Val, having heard from pals about choosing her treatment location, stated: “I had a few friends who had been to Practice Plus Group in Shepton Mallet. I’d always thought it was just a private hospital but some of these friends had been there on the health service.
“It had shorter waiting times, but I also wanted to go somewhere that specialised in joint replacements.”
She continued: “After my assessment I was sent a form with some choices on – there wasn’t much information about each option, but I already knew where I wanted to go. I believe I was seen in months rather than years because of my choice and I couldn’t have been happier with the quality of care.”
When asked about their primary considerations when deciding where to undergo a procedure, 43% cited waiting time as the most significant factor.
Convenience was paramount for four out of 10 respondents who stated that proximity to home is crucial, while the reputation of the hospital or surgeon was a major consideration for 39%.
Jim commented: “Elective operations may be classed as ‘routine’ but for the people waiting for them who can’t walk, can’t work or enjoy the things they like to do, they are life changing.”
He added that six out of 10 people believe that choosing where to receive treatment under the NHS could enhance the likelihood of someone receiving better quality care.
“The private sector doesn’t have a silver bullet, but working with our NHS partners, we can make a significant difference,” Jim further noted. “In the last year alone, the sector has delivered over a million procedures for the NHS, and we can do more.”
