NHS Vs Private: The Problems Facing The NHS

£153 billion shortfall, 7.6 million people waiting
8.5% vacancies strain NHS workforce
Outdated facilities limit modern care
Faster access, personalised service, higher costs
Funding, tech, staff retention, partnerships

The National Health Service (NHS) remains the cornerstone of healthcare in the UK, providing treatment based on need rather than income. Since its creation in 1948, the NHS has been a symbol of universal care. However, it faces growing challenges including funding shortages, staff vacancies, and ageing infrastructure. These ongoing pressures have led many people to explore private healthcare for faster or more personalised access.

This article examines the main problems facing the NHS, compares NHS and private healthcare, and highlights potential long-term solutions including how innovative private services, such as Monderma’s personalised skincare, support accessibility.

Current Problems & Pressures Facing The NHS

Funding Constraints

The NHS continues to face financial pressure as demand rises faster than available resources. In 2022–23, its total budget reached £153 billion, but growing demand and operational costs have created shortfalls [a].

In mid-2024, over 7.6 million people in England were on hospital waiting lists [b]. Limited funds restrict staff recruitment, facility upgrades, and service expansion. These pressures have required prioritisation of urgent cases and created extended waiting times for elective procedures.

Staffing Shortages

Staffing shortages remain one of the most pressing NHS challenges. In 2023, there were approximately 121,000 vacancies across clinical and non-clinical roles, representing a vacancy rate of 8.4% [c].

This strain leads to longer working hours, burnout, and higher staff turnover. Retaining and training staff through competitive pay, improved working environments, and career progression opportunities are vital steps to improve workforce stability.

Ageing Infrastructure

More than one-third of NHS hospitals operate in buildings over 50 years old [d]. Outdated facilities reduce efficiency and struggle to accommodate modern technologies. Refurbishing and rebuilding hospitals requires major investment, but these projects often compete with the need to maintain day-to-day services.

Administrative Complexities

The NHS’s scale and administrative layers can slow processes. Bureaucracy and manual systems increase delays in patient flow and resource use. Increasing digital transformation through integrated data systems and automation may improve patient management and staff efficiency.

NHS Vs Private: Comparing Key Differences

Factor	NHS	Private Healthcare
Accessibility	Free at the point of use but may involve waiting times	Paid service offering faster access
Waiting Times	7.6 million people waiting for treatment in 2024 [b]	Appointments available sooner
Quality of Care	Comprehensive services under one system	Modern facilities and choice of specialists
Cost	Funded by taxation	Funded by private insurance or self-payment
Flexibility	Limited by resources	Patients choose specialists and timing

Table 1: Overview of NHS vs private healthcare

Personalised Skincare & Private Sector Innovation

Private care providers have introduced more digital, patient-focused models that complement NHS services. Monderma, a UK-based provider, offers prescription skincare tailored to concerns such as acne, ageing skin, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea.

After completing a free online consultation, GPhC-registered prescribers review suitability and create personalised formulas containing dermatological actives such as tretinoin, niacinamide, or azelaic acid in a vegan base [e].

This model demonstrates how private digital healthcare can reduce waiting times and improve access while supporting patients who may face long NHS dermatology waits. Monderma’s approach aims to complement, not replace NHS dermatological care.

Long-Term Solutions For NHS Sustainability

Increased Investment

The Institute for Fiscal Studies reports that NHS funding needs to grow by 3–3.5% per year in real terms to keep pace with demand [f]. Funding should target staffing, facility modernisation, and preventive care to reduce pressure on hospitals.

Recruitment & Retention

The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan (2023) aims to expand training places by 30% by 2030 [g]. Improving pay structures, staff wellbeing, and flexible working arrangements can support retention and reduce burnout.

Embracing Technology

Digital health tools such as telemedicine and electronic health records can increase efficiency and reduce administrative workloads. By 2023, around 90% of NHS trusts had implemented digital patient records [h]. Ongoing digital transformation remains a central pillar of modernisation.

Public-Private Partnerships

Collaborations between public and private sectors can help reduce waiting lists and share best practices. Such partnerships must remain transparent and prioritise public benefit, ensuring care quality across all providers [i].

Choosing Between NHS & Private Healthcare

Choosing between NHS and private healthcare depends on personal needs, urgency, and financial capacity. The NHS guarantees access to essential treatment for all, while private care offers flexibility and shorter waiting times.

Private healthcare options, including Monderma’s tailored prescription skincare, can complement NHS services for non-urgent conditions by providing accessible and efficient care. To explore whether a personalised approach could support your skincare goals, complete a free online consultation today.

Content is for informational purposes only. Monderma treatments are prescribed following consultation. Results and timeframes can vary. Use as directed by your prescriber.

Bibliography

NHS England. (2023). NHS budget allocation 2022–23.
NHS Confederation. (2024). Key statistics on the NHS.
The King’s Fund. (2023). NHS workforce vacancies report.
UK Parliament. (2024). Hospital building in England: Plans and progress.
Monderma. (2024). Prescription skincare treatments.
Institute for Fiscal Studies. (2023). NHS funding, resources and treatment volumes.
NHS England. (2023). Long term workforce plan.
UK Parliament Health and Social Care Committee. (2023). Digital transformation in the NHS.
The Health Foundation. (2022). Health care funding.