In fact, this time last year, The British Social Attitudes Survey found that overall satisfaction with the NHS was at its lowest in 40 years, with fewer than 1 in 4 British adults (24%) saying they’re satisfied, and 71% referencing wait times as a contributor to this feeling.
So, it’s understandable that some people are looking beyond the NHS for additional support. Choosing to explore private healthcare clinics doesn’t mean turning your back on the NHS, it means finding the right care at the right time - because healthcare isn’t a one-size-fits all solution.
At Releaf, patients with conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and IBS can access appointments with specialist doctors within a few days of booking in a consultation, and access treatments that aren’t currently available through NHS formularies.
Understanding how Brits feel about current NHS services
In 2023 as the NHS was approaching its 75th Birthday, polling data found the NHS was the biggest source of national pride, with more than half (54%) saying the NHS is what makes them most proud to be British.
But, just because the service is valued, it doesn’t mean it’s perfect.
The British Social Attitudes Survey
The British Social Attitudes Survey is a nationally representative survey that’s conducted every year to reflect current feelings, attitudes, and opinions in society. Running since 1983, the most recent findings were published in March 2024.
It found almost a quarter (24%) were very, or quite, satisfied with the NHS, meanwhile, over half (52%) were very, or quite, dissatisfied with the NHS, and the remaining proportion stated indifference.
The survey asked those that had said they were dissatisfied to pick three reasons that contributed to this feeling. 71% said one of these reasons was because it takes too long to get an appointment (GP or hospital), and 54% said it was due to NHS staffing.
Other reasons cited for between 20% and 47% involve spending and government funding, while around 15% said they were unsatisfied with the quality of NHS care or unsatisfied with certain healthcare services or treatments not being available through the NHS.
NHS GP Practice Survey
Another reputable study conducted on an annual basis is the NHS GP Patient Survey.
Last year’s headline findings, published in July 2024, included:
- 74% had an overall good experience of their GP practice
- 50% said it was easy to contact their GP practice on the phone
- 48% said it was easy to contact their GP practice using their website
- 72% of those who tried to contact their GP practice knew the next steps in 2 days.
But, considering GPs are at the forefront, or on the frontline, of healthcare in the UK - looking at the flip side of these statistics can be concerning, with every other person admitting some kind of difficulty trying to even contact their GP practice - whether it's via phone or online.
And although 72% of those who contacted their GP knew what was happening two days later, over a quarter did not - representing thousands, or more accurately millions, with unanswered questions, and unmet needs.
How healthcare clinics like Releaf can bridge the gap
With 15% citing the limitations of treatments and services available on the NHS as reasons behind their dissatisfaction, and such a high proportion of people finding it difficult to access doctor's appointments - it’s not surprising thousands are turning to private medical cannabis clinics to bridge this gap.
In the UK, providing first-line treatments for conditions like fibromyalgia, ADHD, migraine, and multiple sclerosis have been ineffective, UK adults can have their eligibility for cannabis-based treatments assessed and if found suitable, receive prescribed medical cannabis from healthcare providers like Releaf.
Access to alternative treatments
Cannabis-based compounds, namely THC and CBD, have shown to have therapeutic and medicinal effects when applied appropriately to manage symptoms like chronic pain, inflammation, poor sleep, low mood, and issues with concentration.
At Releaf, our doctors curate a bespoke treatment plan for each and every patient, taking their individual needs, symptoms, personal preferences and lifestyle circumstances into account when deciding on which products to prescribe, and, in what dosages.
These treatments can be legally prescribed by doctors on the General Medical Council’s Specialist Register, but, they’re not currently routinely prescribed by the NHS as they remain unlicensed, controlled medicines in the UK.
To find out more about the treatments prescribed by Releaf, head over to our products page.
Access to expert doctors
At Releaf, we let our patients select the date and time for their consultations, choosing from a range of weekday, evening, and weekend appointments on our patient portal: so that they can ensure they take place at a convenient time for them.
To make things better, all Releaf appointments take place virtually so patients don’t need to travel to see a specialist, regardless of where they are in the UK. All our initial consultations are held by specialist doctors, and we have a team of highly trained GPs and nurses who hold follow up or ‘check in’ appointments with patients on shared care agreements at regular three-month intervals.
Our data shows that on average, 91% of those who create a Releaf account, book in their first consultation with a specialist doctor on the day they sign up, and, 95% of these take place within one week.
To find out more about our medical cannabis doctors, head over to our clinical team page.
