Worst-off find it harder than well-off to access NHS care, survey finds

Exclusive: findings raise concerns over ‘two-tier service’ with poorer people also feeling less heard by medics

Poorer people find it much harder to access NHS care than the well-off and have a worse experience when they do get it, research by the health service’s consumer watchdog has found.

Those on the lowest incomes have much more difficulty getting a GP appointment, dental care or help with mental health problems, according to a survey by Healthwatch England.

42% of those who described their financial situation as “really struggling” said they had trouble getting to see a GP, double the 21% of those who were “very comfortable”.

38% of the worst-off found it hard to get NHS dental care, compared with 20% of the better-off.

28% of the very poor had difficulty accessing mental health treatment, whereas only 9% of the very comfortable did so.