Science
Decline in healthy life expectancy in UK sparks debate over NHS role
July 13, 2026 at 06:34 PM
Healthy life expectancy in the UK has fallen to its lowest level since records began, prompting discussion about whether the NHS model is failing patients.
- ONS data shows healthy life expectancy in the UK dropped to 60.7 years for men and 60.9 years for women in 2022-2024, a decline of 1.8 and 2.5 years respectively from 2019-2021.
- A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the government is shifting focus to prevention, claiming GP patient satisfaction is up and waiting lists are down by 340,000.
- Patient Angie, who is moving to Bulgaria, said she has spent "a fortune on private healthcare" because the NHS left her "to her own devices" after diagnosis.
- Policy Exchange's Gareth Lyon argued the NHS's lack of competition is driving poor outcomes, while IPPR's Sebastian Rees said underinvestment and population differences are more significant factors.