The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC’s) annual ‘State of Care’ report has warned that a combination of the cost-of-living crisis and workforce pressures is risking ‘unfair care’ – with some able to afford to pay for treatment, while others are facing longer waits, reduced access, and poorer outcomes. CSJ shares an overview of the key findings.
In its latest State of Care report,1 the CQC commented that it has been ‘a turbulent year’ for health and social care. In addition to the ongoing problem of ‘gridlocked’ care highlighted in last year’s ‘State of Care’ report, the cost-ofliving crisis is biting harder for the public, staff, and providers – and workforce pressures have escalated. Ratings data shows a mixed picture of quality, with a notable decline in maternity, mental health and ambulance services.
The report points out that workforce challenges have intensified, with unresolved industrial action by NHS staff unhappy with pay and conditions. The number of people on waiting lists for treatment has grown to record figures and in the face of longer waits, those who can afford it are increasingly turning to private healthcare.
Research by YouGov shows that 8 in 10 of those who used private healthcare last year would previously have used the NHS, with separate research showing that 56% of people had tried to use the NHS before using private healthcare.
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