How to Ease the NHS Burden and Improve Access to Care

In June of this year 2023 the British Medical Association published an article entitled ‘An NHS under pressure’ the headline read: The NHS is experiencing some of the most severe pressures in its 75-year history. The COVID-19 pandemic is just the tip of the iceberg – the health service has been facing years of inadequate planning and chronic under-resourcing.

Increased Waiting Times

The article then went on to highlight in more detail the damaging effects of chronic understaffing, poor retention, declining wellbeing, growing pressure on general practice, insufficient funding, declining property estates and outdated IT. The article then goes on to list the knock on effects such as; increased waiting lists, reduced patient care and increases in the number of appointments cancelled due to insufficient staff numbers. With the government refusing to budge and to bring pay in line with inflation, these worrying trends do not seem likely to change anytime soon. 

With pressure on NHS services at a higher level than ever before, patients receiving timely access to healthcare services is at it’s lowest in it’s history. Innovative solutions are needed to relieve the burden on our beloved institution. Physiotherapy services are one such area that has been impacted, with some waiting lists up to 18 weeks; and that’s after a potential 6 week wait for a referral from your GP (if of course you can get an appointment to see them!)

Innovation Promoting Change

Waiting lists for physiotherapy services within the NHS have historically been a formidable challenge. Patients suffering from musculoskeletal issues or sports injuries often find themselves waiting for weeks, if not months, to access the care they need. This prolonged wait can exacerbate their conditions and affect their quality of life.

Online physiotherapy has proven to be one such innovation that is helping the NHS by stepping in as a valuable solution to tackle this issue head-on. Through virtual consultations, patients can connect with experienced physiotherapists without a referral or a need to endure the long wait times traditionally associated with in-person appointments. The efficient scheduling of online sessions means that individuals can receive expert guidance sooner, preventing their conditions from worsening and helping them regain their mobility and well-being swiftly. 

Minimising Unnecessary GP Appointments

The NHS faces a constant influx of patients seeking GP appointments for musculoskeletal complaints and injuries. Many of these cases could be efficiently managed by physiotherapists without the need for a GP intervention. There is a trend towards employing physiotherapists directly in healthcentres but with an estimated 12,000 new physiotherapists needed, the impact of this is not yet helping the NHS. The existing system often leads patients to schedule GP appointments out of necessity, leading to unnecessary delays and healthcare expenses.

Online physiotherapy offers a more streamlined approach. Patients can access physiotherapy assessments and treatment plans directly and if if it turns out to be something more than they initially suspect the physio will either redirect them to the GP or to a more suitable specialist. This not only reduces the strain on GP services but also ensures that patients receive specialised care promptly. The freedom to choose online physiotherapy as a first step empowers individuals to take control of their health and well-being.

Cutting Travel Times and Costs

For many patients, and not just those living in rural or remote areas, traveling to healthcare facilities for in-person appointments can be a logistical and financial challenge. The costs associated with getting to appointments, finding childcare, parking, public transport and for some loss of earnings, can deter individuals from seeking timely care.

Online physiotherapy eliminates these barriers. Patients can engage in virtual consultations from the comfort of their own homes, saving both time and money. The elimination of travel-related stress allows individuals to focus on their recovery and well-being but it doesn’t just benefit the patient. 

By giving physiotherapists the opportunity to work online for a few extra hours it’s actually helping the NHS, as they can increase their earnings without needing to leave and work full time in the private sector.  They too can conduct the appointment online and this reduces their stress levels and costs. Working with patients online they can also engage for longer and in more meaningful ways than they might in an overworked department. A large proportion of healthcare staff, work in the NHS because they love what it stands for, having the opportunity to work outside of it for small periods of time could help improve staff retention in the long run. 

Relieving NHS Pressure Through Paid Services

In just two generations we have grown accustomed to free healthcare and whilst we’ll happily spend money on a night out enjoying ourselves, we are reluctant to spend money when it comes to our health. Faced with the reality of the current situation, this is an attitude that is likely going to have to change if we want to access services in a timely fashion.  Those who can afford to do so have the opportunity to relieve some of this strain by utilising paid services. Choosing companies that support the NHS rather than those that skills drain from it could help to reduce the ongoing pressure.

By opting for private online physiotherapy, individuals not only gain quicker access to care but also contribute to the sustainability of the NHS. The revenue saved from reducing the burden on GP’s and physiotherapy outpatient services can be channeled back into the healthcare system, potentially reducing waiting times and improving overall services for everyone and helping the NHS that most of us would love to see back to where it belongs.