Wes Streeting forced to rely on private sector to slash sky-high NHS waiting lists | Politics | News
Private sector use of the NHS is rising under Labour’s watch, according to the latest figures. So far this year, 6.15 million appointments, tests and operations have been performed by independent providers; There was an increase of approximately 500,000 compared to last year.
The worker claims patients can cut wait times by up to five months by transferring to a nearby hospital with a shorter queue. The Department of Health and Social Care reported that “independent healthcare providers carried out an average of 19,000 surgical procedures and 100,000 outpatient appointments each week this financial year” and more than 1.1 million people were treated.
The government boasts that waiting lists fell by 206,000 last year. The private sector has stepped in to help the government achieve its target of 92% of patients in England waiting no more than 18 weeks from referral.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting defended the policy in full force, saying: “I will do everything I can to get NHS patients treated faster and free at the time of use. This is a principled, progressive position, not just pragmatic.”
“We are not prepared to continue two-tiered healthcare while those who can afford it are treated in a timely manner while those who cannot afford it are left behind. Wealth should not determine health.”
He added: “Through investment and sustained reform, we will ensure that every patient is treated in a timely manner, not just those who can afford to pay.”
Mr Streeting is also investing in “community diagnostic centres” that will improve delivery for patients. These have carried out more than 8.7 million tests since July 2024.
Shadow Health Secretary Stuart Andrew said: “Whilst we welcome Labor’s recognition that collaboration with the independent sector has helped patients be seen faster, the reality is that they are still miles away from meeting their own NHS waiting time targets. “Despite all the promises, patients are still struggling, especially after leaving inflation-busting pay rises to union paymasters under no circumstances and the crippling aftermath of this capitulation. “After seeing the strikes, she’s still waiting too long for treatment.”
“Labour is making public statements after over a year in office, not progress. Only the Conservatives have a plan to live within our means, rebuild a strong economy and secure the long-term future of our NHS.”
But David Hare, chief executive of the network of independent healthcare providers, said: “These latest figures show how important the independent sector is in delivering much-needed NHS treatment – providing around 10% of all NHS elective activity and a record amount of appointments, tests and screenings free to patients at the point of use.”
Deborah Alsina, chief executive of Arthritis UK, welcomed the use of the private sector and said: “Thousands of people with arthritis who need life-changing hip and knee replacements are waiting in needless pain. “We know that the longer people wait, the more impact it has on their lives, causing further deterioration in their joints, leading to more complex and expensive surgeries and often worse health outcomes.
“Encouraging patient choice, including the ability to be treated by independent providers, is therefore an important tool that can enable people to access the treatment they need more quickly.”
Sarah Tilsed, of the Patients Association, added: “Every patient whose treatment is brought forward is now able to move forward without pause and take the next step in their care journey. “As the NHS continues to work to reduce the backlog, it is vital that patients are supported with clear information and real choices about their options.
“As long as patients are well informed about their right to choose and feel in control of their care journey, it is critical to use all available capacity to deliver care sooner.”
