Private hospital admissions in Wales have reached a record high, with nearly 8,000 patients treated in the first quarter of 2024, according to new data from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN). This marks a significant rise from the approximately 4,500 admissions during the same period five years ago.
Jeremy Miles, Wales’ newly appointed health secretary, expressed concern over the trend, stating that he “doesn’t want to see” people turning to private healthcare. He emphasized the need for the public health system to meet patient needs without reliance on private services.
PHIN, which was established by the UK government in 2014 to provide independent data on private healthcare, noted that Wales stands out for its payment methods. Most private treatments are paid for by patients out of pocket, rather than through private health insurance, making it unique compared to the rest of the UK.
Both self-pay and insurance-funded admissions hit record levels in early 2024. Among the most common procedures, cataract removal surgeries saw particularly high numbers, with 2,175 operations performed privately from January to March 2024.
Patients Turning to Private Care Due to NHS Delays
Gwenan Roberts, a 68-year-old from the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd, opted for private cataract surgery after facing long NHS waiting lists. “I was at risk of losing my independence within months,” Roberts told Newyddion S4C. “I wouldn’t have been able to drive, especially at night.”
Roberts explained that while the surgery had greatly improved her quality of life, she recognized the privilege of being able to afford it. “It’s a simple procedure that could be done quickly, reducing the long waiting lists. I was fortunate, but not everyone can pay.”
Her experience is emblematic of a growing trend, with many patients opting for private treatment due to long NHS delays. Mabon ap Gwynfor, her local Member of the Senedd (MS) and Plaid Cymru’s health spokesperson, criticized the NHS for creating a “two-tier health system.” He stated, “Those with financial means can access care, but the most deprived are left behind. This goes against Wales’ values.”
Political Response and Growing Concerns Over Inequality
Conservative MS Tom Giffard echoed these concerns, arguing that patients were being “forced” to seek private care due to NHS backlogs. He urged the Welsh government to prioritize reducing waiting lists.
Experts also pointed to broader issues driving the rise in private admissions. Mark Exworthy, a professor of health policy at Birmingham University, highlighted changing patient expectations and advertising by private healthcare providers.
“Patients may no longer expect the NHS to deliver timely care, and private providers are focusing on out-of-pocket payments rather than insurance plans,” said Prof. Exworthy. “This has significant implications for health inequality, as only those who can afford to pay out of pocket will have access.”
Welsh Government Efforts to Address the Crisis
In response, the Welsh government stated that efforts are already underway to reduce waiting times, particularly in ophthalmology. “Long waits for cataract surgery have almost halved since their peak in 2022, but we acknowledge there is more work to be done,” said a government spokesperson.
The government has established a regional cataract service aimed at further reducing delays in treatment, with hopes of easing the burden on both the NHS and private hospitals.
Despite these measures, the surge in private admissions underscores the ongoing challenges facing the Welsh healthcare system. As waiting lists remain long, the debate over the role of private care in Wales’ future healthcare landscape continues.
