Employees’ return to work is hindered by long NHS waiting times

According to a recent poll, long NHS waiting times have a significant financial impact on UK companies as staff are forced to wait at home for treatment.

According to a survey conducted by the healthcare provider HCML, nearly 60% of respondents said they had difficulty accessing NHS services.

Over half (56%) struggled also with waiting times and availability, while a five percent (20%) claimed they could not get time off from work to attend appointments or receive necessary support.

In a survey of 200 employers and more than 500 employees, nearly half (47%) of employers surveyed said that access to private health care was one of their employees’ top priorities in terms of health and well-being.

There was, however, a disconnect between what employers think is important in terms of health and well-being and what employees can access. Just over a third of employees (37%) rated private healthcare as important compared to half of employers.

HCML argued that while employers want to provide their employees with health care options, they may not be providing the best solutions.

Only 31% said that they had accessed the health and wellness services offered by their employers, but 52% felt they needed more support from their employers to improve their health.

Additionally, 9% were not sure where and how to get health and wellness support services. HCML said that employers needed to come up with alternative ways to help employees access the support they require.

Pamela Gellatly is the director of strategic development at HCML. She said, “When it comes employee health and well-being, employers have a responsibility to support their workforce.” It means putting in place the right initiatives, offering clear solutions and creating signposts to help employees get the support they need. It is difficult to get treatment with a struggling NHS, and long waiting list.”