Report reveals that NHS lags behind other countries’ health services in terms of bed capacity, scanning equipment, and doctor availability

A new report warns that our health service is failing to deliver world-leading care due to a shortage of beds, scanners, and doctors compared to many developed nations.

The report by The King’s Fund think-tank also highlights that the UK spends less than the average per person on healthcare and “under-performs significantly” in crucial areas like life expectancy and cancer survival rates.

According to the think-tank’s analysis, the UK falls short of its potential in these measures and the once highly regarded NHS is currently experiencing challenging times.

These findings are particularly significant as the NHS approaches its 75th anniversary on July 5, a milestone where health leaders had intended to celebrate its achievements.

Our health service is failing to deliver world-leading care as it has fewer beds, scanners and doctors than many developed nations, a report warns today. File photo of hospital ward

This study analyzes healthcare in 19 countries, including the original 15 European Union member states, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

The report acknowledges that while the NHS provides good protection against the financial burdens associated with ill health and is efficiently run, it suffers from a significant shortage of key clinical staff, with fewer doctors and nurses and a heavy reliance on internationally trained workers. For instance, the UK has only three doctors per 1,000 people compared to Greece’s 6.3.

The UK also ranks last among the examined countries in terms of the number of CT and MRI scanners per person.

Furthermore, the UK has 2.5 beds per 1,000 citizens, placing it second to last compared to the average of 3.2. In contrast, Germany has 7.9 beds per 1,000.

In terms of life expectancy, the UK has one of the lowest rates for both men and women, with a significant decline observed since the Covid pandemic.

The UK also fares poorly in terms of deaths from treatable diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, surpassing most other countries, and exhibits below-average survival rates for major cancers like breast and lung cancer.

A spokesperson from the Department of Health reassured the public that up to £14.1 billion is being invested to enhance services and reduce waiting lists.