Despite all of the back slapping and hand shakes about how they have changed the NHS, the UK authorities are under severe pressure to improve the return on investment.  A report out this week has been very critical of the funding arrangements for the NHS and their ultimate use. So what next?

As every tax payer in the UK will be aware, the budget for the NHS seems to grow and grow (if we believe government figures) yet the services seem to be getting worse in many areas.  A recent government sponsored report was released to calls of “we told you so” from many in the industry who have been very critical of changes and movements within the NHS.

There has been a massive increase in management, red tape and an introduction of the competitive internal market within the NHS, over the last few years.  These changes have not assisted with the level of care on the front line, and caused much anger and unease with many workers.  We are also experiencing an increased level of industrial action from the main unions, who are fighting for the future of the NHS.

So what does this mean in the long term?

It now seems inevitable that at some stage, the tax payer will not be able to depend upon the NHS in its current form.  We have for some time seen more and more services farmed out to the private sector, where charges are introduced to what have been free services.  We have also seen a massive growth in the area of private healthcare, and this is sure to continue and grow in the years to come.

Unfortunately, the NHS is not a bottomless pit and at some stage there will need to be a major restructuring of the original format.  Times have changed and costs have spiralled over recent times, reaching levels that have denied many people the treatment which they have “paid for”. 

Private healthcare is the way forward for many who are looking to protect themselves and their loved ones in the future.