Children Receiving Treatment In Private Hospital Across The UK Increases By Almost A Quarter Since Last Year

The BBC has reported that the number of children receiving treatment in private hospitals across the UK has risen by almost a quarter in the last year, to 46,000.

Data released under a Freedom of Information request to the BBC reveals that children are facing very long waits under the NHS to be admitted to hospitals across the UK. This includes at least 20,000.00 children waiting more than a year for treatment. As a result, more families than ever are having to resort to seeking private treatment.

The Royal College of Surgeons of England stated that children were lagging behind adults when it comes to waiting for NHS Surgery. Further, England NHS Trusts believe children have become the “forgotten generation” in the race to reduce waiting lists and backlogs in NHS Treatment.

Private treatment

It is noted that children aged 15 to 17 are the biggest patient group for surgery. As a result, more and more families are paying for private treatment for their children. Across the UK, the number of Children being seen privately since 2019, before the pandemic, has increased by 38%. These figures do not include NHS Trusts who use private services to provide treatment to children either.

Improvements

NHS England has said it is increasing the number of ring-fenced beds for paediatric surgery, in addition to critical care beds.

Further, the Department of Health has added that NHS England has set up a task force specifically aimed at bringing down waiting times for children’s surgery. In Wales, the Department of Health told the BBC that it was putting more money into prioritising reducing long waits for children.

Comment

It is clear that children are facing significant backlogs for NHS Treatment, whether surgery or otherwise.

Children receiving treatment in a timely manner is crucial. Delayed treatment can lead to children suffering potentially life-long consequences for their health and future development.

It is shocking to see that children may have to wait years to receive treatment, and the concerning impact this may have, not only on each child’s health but their quality of life whilst awaiting treatment.

Further, it is putting families across the UK in very difficult circumstances, having to either wait potentially years for their child to receive treatment or paying privately for their child to be treated sooner.

It is important that NHS England and NHS Trusts across the UK prioritise treatment for children and ensure it is not overlooked for adult treatment.

We welcome NHS England’s statement to increase the number of beds and would welcome further strategies reduce waiting lists for children receiving treatment under the NHS.