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What is the quality of care?

The NHS is highly rated² in terms of efficiency, effective care, cost-related problems, patient equality and safety.  The NHS runs a large number of hospitals all over the UK including specialist hospitals that are world leaders in areas such as cancer, cardiac and pediatric care.

However, The NHS is struggling to keep pace with growing demands.  People are living longer and have more complex health needs.  And, the NHS is now facing the most significant financial challenge in its history with the government’s drive to make £20bn of efficiency savings in England by 2015. 

These factors have contributed to an increase in routine appointment times at GP practices and waiting times for tests and treatments in a hospital setting³.  Conditions that the NHS is struggling to cope with in a timely manner include muskuloskeletal disorders (such as knee and hip replacements) and mental health (such as talking therapies).

¹2012 Department of Health data
²2010 Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Survey
³ https://www.healthinsurancedaily.com/health-insurance/product-area/pmi/article434778.ece