A new study shows that almost two-thirds (67%) of UK employees have difficulty booking a doctor appointment, and many self-treat themselves due to lack of healthcare access.
Health Shield Friendly Society’s Britain At Work Report revealed alarming statistics.
The report paints a disturbing picture of the suffering people are experiencing across the UK due to the pressures placed on the NHS five years after the pandemic.
These findings are:
- 81% of people are concerned about the pressure on the NHS, and 21% are very concerned.
- 62% of people find it hard to get an appointment with a doctor
- 54% of people find it difficult getting an NHS dental appointment
- Women report 53% difficulty in accessing healthcare
- Self-treatment is a common practice among 47% of men and 59% of women.
- 47% of those who need dental care find it difficult to pay.
- Lack of healthcare has affected 41% of people.
Paul Shires said, “These shocking figures show that accessing NHS services is a challenge for many employees. Delays often force individuals to manage their own health.”
It’s unclear how people self-treat. Some people may choose to visit a pharmacist or buy an over-the counter solution. Others may have a greater concern. However, this is a trend worth watching.
“Overall these results reveal that healthcare access is not only a national problem, but also a workplace issue, with employee anxiety affecting both morale, and performance.
“Although the anxiety level about the NHS is slightly lower than in our previous report, which was 88% in 2023 to 81% in the present time, the figures are still high.”
Women in general seem to be more affected by the lack of healthcare access and anxiety over the NHS than men.
- Women are more concerned about NHS pressures than men, with 84% of them being women.
- Women are more worried than men, with 24% expressing a high level of concern.
- Women are more likely than men to find it hard to get an appointment with a doctor.
- 59% of women self-treat due to lack of healthcare access compared to only 39% of male employees
- 61% of women employees find it difficult to get a NHS dental appointment, compared to only 48% of men
The Millennials are the most likely to report:
- Booking a doctor’s appointment is a struggle for 65%
- Self-treatment is used by 49%
- 49% of people suffer from lack of healthcare
Paul Shires said: This should be a warning to employers that people of all ages are having difficulty accessing healthcare. This will impact the workplace.
The Britain At Work Report showed that employees had taken seven days of sick leave last year because of health issues. The majority of these were due to general health issues and 29% to mental health issues such as anxiety or stress. This is a problem that cannot be ignored .”
Perry Timms is an HR influencer and founder of PTHR. He said, “Access to healthcare has become a workplace necessity. The report highlights the difficulties employees have in navigating the delays in care, as well as the growing gender and generational gaps.
The call to action for employers is clear. They must act with evidence and create new practices that prioritize health as a strategy asset. In the future, wellbeing will be baked into every aspect of work.
For more information visit: https://www.healthshield.co.uk/
To download the white paper visit: https://info.healthshield.co.uk/britain_at_work_access_to_healthcare_report
The first time HR News published the article 62% UK employees have difficulty getting a doctor appointment.
