THE chair of BMA Scotland is to issue a stark warning that the NHS is “dying before our eyes” as a survey has found almost a third of Scots (29%) say they or someone else from their household have had to use private care in the past two years.

In a speech to the BMA’s 2025 Annual Representative Meeting in Liverpool, Dr Iain Kennedy will say it is “abundantly clear” that there is now a divide in Scotland between those who can afford private healthcare and those “languishing” on NHS waiting lists.

He will warn that the situation is likely to only get worse, as 43% of respondents to the survey said they are now more likely to go private.

The nationally representative survey, carried out by Diffley Partnership on behalf of BMA Scotland, found:

• 17% of respondents had accessed private medical care in the past two years and 14% said a member of their household had.
• 64% of those who reported accessing private care for themselves or a member of their household said it was because the NHS waiting list was too long.
• Of those that accessed private care, 45% used personal savings and 20% said they had to cut back on leisure activities. Another 9% had to cut back on essential items such as energy and groceries, while 9% had to borrow money to fund private treatment.
• 46% of respondents who did not use private care in the past two years said it was because they could not afford to.
• 43% said their likelihood of using private healthcare had significantly or somewhat increased in the past few years.
• 63% reported that their confidence in being able to access a timely hospital appointment through the NHS had significantly or somewhat decreased in the past few years, while 60% said the same for GP appointments.

Dr Kennedy will point to a warning he issued last Christmas which said the health service would struggle to see out another year with its founding principles remaining intact.

He is expected to say: “Our NHS should be free at the point of need.  But, through today’s research, I can reveal that almost a third of Scots say either they or someone in their household have had to use private healthcare within the last two years. Our survey showed that the majority are forced to do so, as waiting lists are simply too long. They just can’t get the timely care they need.

“And it will only get worse, because 43% of those surveyed feel they are now more likely to go private.  It is abundantly clear that Scotland has been divided into those who can afford private healthcare and those languishing on ever longer NHS waiting lists.

“Now, I don’t believe anyone made an active choice to pursue this path towards a private health service.  Rather, it is a failure get to grips with an evolving population and its health needs.  But, be in no doubt, the NHS is dying before our very eyes.”

Dr Kennedy will outline four key principles for NHS reform which are:

• Shifting the balance of care into the community
• A workforce plan setting out how we’ll recruit and retain the doctors and other staff our population needs
• A long-term focus on prevention
• A more mature approach to measuring our NHS.

He is expected to say: “The chance to save our NHS remains.  If we want to provide timely care to all, which is free at the point of need, then immediate action is required.

“We did ask the Scottish Government for a national conversation but were largely ignored.  So, instead, NHS reform must now happen.”

He will add: “The impact of the Scottish Government repeatedly ignoring the warnings made by the BMA and many others is clear.  Patients are suffering, unable to access the care they need when they need it, or having to use their own hard-earned money to go private.

“Everyone knows it is unacceptable. That’s why BMA Scotland will continue to shine a light on the dire state and worsening position of the Scottish NHS.  

“And it’s why we will go on fighting for our members, for our patients, and for a better future for Scotland’s health service.”

Notes to editors

The survey was designed by Diffley Partnership and results are based on a survey of 1203 respondents. Fieldwork was conducted between 30th May – 4th June 2025, with results weighted to the 16+ Scottish population estimates (2023) by age and gender.

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.