Navigating NHS Surgery Waiting Times and Private Back Pain Treatment Options for Patients in 2024

By Anthony Ghosh MBChB, MD, FRCS (Neuro.Surg)
7th October 2024
Reading time: 5 mins

Along with many people, I have a huge amount of respect and admiration for the National Health Service (NHS); its principles, its breadth and depth of services, and the dedication and professionalism of its staff. However, whilst the NHS remains a vital pillar of healthcare in the UK, in recent years it has faced well-publicised and fast-growing pressures that have inevitably led to increased waiting times for all types of surgery and treatment.

Without getting into the wider discussion of the causes of these issues and their possible solutions, NHS delays have prompted many patients seeking to priories their health and quality of life to consider private, self-funded surgery and treatment. In this article, I look at the current state of NHS waiting times on the treatment of back pain and spine disease, including when private treatment should be considered, and the pros and cons of both approaches.

2024 - The Current State of NHS Waiting Times

According to FullFact.org, the current NHS target of 18-weeks for a patient receiving consultant-led treatment following a referral is often exceeded, with over 3 million patients waiting over 18 weeks for treatment, and a significant minority having to wait over a year.

For back pain and spinal issues, this delay can be particularly problematic, as timely intervention often leads to better outcomes. For certain types of spine conditions, some patients are waiting months or even years for procedures that are crucial to improving their quality of life. For those suffering from chronic pain or conditions that significantly impact daily living, these delays can be distressing and debilitating. So, when should you consider private, self-funded treatment or surgery?

When to Go Private

Given the challenges facing the NHS outlined above, many patients may wonder whether private treatment is a viable option. While private healthcare can be expensive, it offers certain advantages that may make it worth considering depending on your specific circumstances. These include:

• Urgency of your condition: If your back or spine pain is worsening or causing significant discomfort and you face a long wait on the NHS, private treatment might be a good option. For many spinal conditions, early intervention can often lead to better, less invasive and longer-lasting outcomes.
• Quality of Life Impact: If your condition severely affects your ability to work, participate in daily activities, or maintain your mental health, the speed of private treatment can provide significant relief on many different levels.
• Previous Treatment Failures: If you've had previous treatments or surgeries that haven't fully resolved your issues, seeking a second opinion or further treatment privately could give you faster access to better solutions and alternative clinical options. Particularly with back and spine conditions, seeking a private consultation with a spine care specialist can provide far more insights and clarity on your diagnosis and treatment plan, even if you ultimately decide to remain within the NHS system.
• Availability of Resources: If you have the financial resources or private medical insurance that covers private healthcare, it may be more desirable to explore this option rather than enduring prolonged discomfort and the related impact on your overall quality of life.

The Pros and Cons of NHS Treatment

Advantages

• Cost-Free at the Point of Use: NHS treatment is free, which means you won’t face any out-of-pocket expenses for your care, regardless of the complexity of your surgery or treatment.
• Comprehensive Care: The NHS provides a wide range of services, including follow-up care and rehabilitation
• Experienced and Trusted: The NHS is staffed by highly skilled professionals, many of whom are experts in their fields. You can be confident in the quality of care provided.
• Access to Emergency Care: If complications arise during your treatment, the NHS is equipped to provide emergency care quickly and effectively.

Disadvantages

• Long Waiting Times: One of the most significant drawbacks of NHS care is the extended waiting times, especially for elective, non-emergency surgeries and treatments. This can lead to prolonged pain, deterioration of your condition and significant impact on your quality of life.
• Limited Choice of Specialists: Whilst in general the NHS has excellent specialists, you may not have as much choice over who performs your surgery, and in what location, compared to private care.
• Resource Limitations: NHS facilities may face limitations in terms of equipment or cutting-edge treatments, especially when compared to many private clinics and hospitals.
• Potential for Cancellations: Due to significant resource constraints, NHS surgeries can sometimes be delayed or cancelled at short notice. Based on the most recent data from the NHS, over 1 in 5 patients who had elective surgery cancelled remained untreated within 28 days of cancellation. In addition to prolonging your pain, such delays can also be hugely frustrating for patients who have already waited a long time for treatment.

Pros and Cons of Private, Self-Funded Surgery

Advantages

• Reduced Waiting Times: One of the biggest advantages of private healthcare is the ability to receive treatment quickly. This can be a real game-changer for those in pain or discomfort. For individuals suffering from back or spine pain, consultations with a specialist surgeon can take place (in person or remotely) within days, with commencement of treatment sometimes available on the same day.
• Choice of Specialists: In the private sector, you will usually have the freedom to choose your surgeon or specialist, allowing you to seek out the best possible care.
• Access to Advanced Treatments: Private hospitals are far more likely to offer the latest, cutting-edge treatments or technologies that are often not yet widely available in the NHS. For spinal conditions, this could include treatments such as endoscopic spine surgery, vertebroplasty and spinal cord stimulation.
• Bespoke, Personalised Care: Private specialists, clinics and hospitals can all provide a far more personalised patient experience, with bespoke treatment pathways, greater comfort, shorter hospital stays, and more time with your medical team.

Disadvantages

• Costs: Although not always as costly as many may think, private treatment can be expensive, especially for major surgery. While insurance may cover some of the costs, many people will need to pay out-of-pocket, which could prove to be challenging.
• Not Always Comprehensive: Whilst some specialist consultants and private clinics provide excellent, fully integrated and comprehensive follow-up care and rehabilitation treatment plans, many don’t. This means that you could still need to rely on the NHS for some aspects of your recovery.
• Varied Quality: While many private hospitals and specialists offer excellent care, the quality can vary. It’s important for patients to research and choose a reputable provider with the right experience for their treatment needs.

Making the Right Choice for You

The decision between NHS and private treatment is a very personal one that depends on your individual circumstances. If your condition and pain is manageable and the waiting times are acceptable, the NHS remains a decent option for receiving quality care without the financial burden. However, if your situation is more urgent or if you have the means, private treatment can offer the speed, flexibility and outcome that you might need.

In some cases, a combination of both NHS and private care can be the best approach. For example, you might opt for a private consultation to gain faster access to a specialist’s opinion and then proceed with treatment on the NHS. Alternatively, some patients choose to have their surgery privately but return to the NHS for follow-up care and rehabilitation.

The pressures on the NHS and their extended waiting lists are unlikely to ease soon, making it essential for patients to consider all their available options. Private, self-funded surgery offers a viable alternative for those facing long waits, but it comes with its own set of considerations. By weighing the pros and cons of both approaches and evaluating your personal needs, you can make an informed decision about the best path to take for your health and well-being.

Whether you choose to stay with the NHS or explore private care, the most important thing is to seek the treatment that will improve your quality of life and get you back on track and to doing the things you love.

3 Steps to Pain Free Living

Back to Patient Information