GPs value private sector

Almost half of GPs (48%) say they have seen waiting lists for NHS hospital referrals rise, and two in 41% say they have seen an increase in the number of patients asking about self-pay treatment options compared to a year ago, suggesting that many patients are turning to private self-pay treatment options as a response to increasing hospital waiting times. Younger GPs are more likely than older GPs to agree that they have seen an increase in the number of patients turning to self-pay treatment options. Spire Healthcare which commissioned the survey say the results suggest that GPs have faith in the private healthcare sector. 50% of GPs think the private sector offers good value for money for patients who seek self-pay treatment or use their private medical insurance. Dr Jean-Jacques de Gorter, clinical services director at Spire Healthcare, said: Our findings highlight that public attitudes towards private healthcare are changing. Patients are taking greater responsibility for their health and wellbeing and this is freeing up NHS resources where they are most needed.