The UK healthcare sector is changing fast.
Faced with record NHS waiting lists and appointment delays, more people than ever are turning to the private sector. This isn’t anecdotal; it’s backed by hard numbers. Nearly seven in ten people say they would consider private healthcare, and more than a third expect to pay for treatment within the next year1.
Private is becoming the new normal for those who can afford it, with 42% of people who are already using this sector not even attempting to book through the NHS1. This shift is particularly pronounced among younger people: 44% of 25-34-year-olds anticipate using private healthcare in the coming year1.
For physiotherapy in particular, the pressures on the NHS are stark. Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affect over 8.75 million people in the UK, making them a leading cause of disability2. In fact, waiting lists for MSK treatments grew by 27% between January 2023 and March 20243. This surge in demand has led to a significant rise in the physiotherapy workforce because, as the NHS struggles to cope, more and more patients are opting for faster access through private providers, ready and able to fill the gap.
These figures reflect what we’ve been hearing. Over the last six months, we’ve spoken to many patients who have turned to private healthcare because NHS waiting times were simply too long. While they were willing to pay for faster treatment, many found the process of booking a private appointment frustrating.
Take James, for example. After injuring his back at work, he couldn’t afford to wait months for NHS treatment. “I just turned to Google to find a physiotherapist near me in Manchester, but it gave me so many options, it wasn't easy to find pricing or availability.”
Innovative tech smooths the way
As demand on private physio practices increases, so will the need to provide a quicker, more accessible appointment system and improved customer service – patients will expect more if they’re paying for it. Technology will definitely play a key role here, helping to make private healthcare more seamless and efficient. It’s notable that 24% of patients who choose private healthcare cite ease of booking as a major factor1.
That’s where MediMo can help. Unlike traditional directories, MediMo doesn’t just list providers, it shows their live availability and allows patients to book instantly. Patients can find an appointment that’s convenient for them in just a few clicks, with no fuss and no waiting. It's also much quicker to compare pricing and ratings of different practices than sifting through each individual website.
For the private healthcare practices it’s equally convenient because it’s:
- Free to join and easy to onboard: There’s no upfront fees, additional admin or system replacement – MediMo integrates seamlessly with the existing booking system (e.g., Cliniko, Nookal).
- A cost-effective new patient acquisition tool: MediMo actively markets to fill empty slots with new patients.
- A risk-free model: To join is free – there’s no subscription or hidden costs. MediMo simply retains an introduction fee for new patients, which comes out of their first appointment booking.
The future is here
With NHS challenges persisting and private healthcare becoming not just increasingly necessary but also more common, a fundamental shift in how people seek care is happening now. Patients are voting with their feet: while NHS care remains a cornerstone of our healthcare system, accessible private practice, bolstered by innovative platforms like MediMo, is emerging as a vital, and sometimes preferred, alternative for those seeking timely and effective treatment.
References:
1 Independent Healthcare Provider Network (IHPN) 2024
2 lifemadesimple.co.uk
3 integratedcarejournal.com