NHS waiting times report a 'wake-up call' for urgent reform on health inequity

Sara Hazzard, assistant director at the CSP and co-chair of the Community Rehab Alliance, said: 

'The Nuffield Trust’s briefing confirms our urgent call to address inequalities within the NHS that worsen waiting times. Our research shows that marginalised communities are more likely to experience poor health and miss critical treatment and support. 

Without high-quality rehabilitation the prevalence of one Long Term Condition can often lead to multiple conditions and therefore more pressure on A&E and other NHS services.

'Rehabilitation must be equitable, and we fully support the Nuffield Trust’s recommendation to prioritise interventions that close the waiting time gap across demographics.'

The briefing underscores a persistent crisis in waiting times for both emergency and planned care, showing that not all patients are treated equally. It confirms findings from the CSP's recently updated report, Rehabilitation, Recovery, and Reducing Health Inequity: Easing the Pain, which highlights barriers faced by marginalised groups in accessing quality rehabilitation. 

Key insights from the Nuffield Trust’s analysis include: 

• Patients from deprived areas are more likely to visit A&E. 
• Older adults spend more time in A&E, even without hospital admission. 
• Those from the most deprived backgrounds are waiting longer for care and face more significant delays. 

The report also highlights disparities in rehabilitation needs, particularly for patients undergoing hip and knee surgeries, where waiting times are extensive. The CSP emphasises that marginalised groups are often left behind, facing longer waits and additional barriers due to structural discrimination. 

This report is a crucial reminder that timely, high-quality care is not just a privilege; it’s a necessity that should be accessible to all.