NHSWait IntelligenceLive

Cost of Inaction Model

Quantifying the financial penalty of delayed elective care.

Model Parameters

Adjust assumptions

Percentage of patients whose condition deteriorates into an emergency A&E admission while waiting.

Key Insight

Treating patients is viewed as a cost. However, delaying treatment shifts the cost onto emergency services and welfare, ultimately costing the public purse significantly more.

Excess NHS Burden

£2.64B

Extra spent on emergency care vs elective intervention

310,333 projected emergency admissions

Lost GDP & Productivity

£63.84B

Lost economic output from working-age patients

3.0M workers affected

5-Year Cumulative Impact Forecast

Projected cost trajectory if backlog is maintained

Total Penalty: £66.5B / yr
NHS Emergency Cost
Lost GDP (Economic)