00:01Patients are increasingly paying for tests or treatment to avoid long waits for care.
00:07A report from Healthwatch England warns a two-tier system may be emerging.
00:12Survey findings suggest more people are turning to private providers for scans, checks or operations.
00:18Of nearly 2,600 people questioned in England, 16% used private care last year.
00:25Four in ten of those said long NHS waits were the main reason.
00:28The government says it is determined to cut delays and improve access to NHS treatment.
00:34Private providers have also said that some patients pay for tests first
00:39then return to NHS care with results to speed appointments sooner.
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