A recent report from the Health Foundation reveals that the UK healthcare system, despite excelling in GP access, suffers from some of the longest hospital waiting times among high-income countries. The 2023 Commonwealth Fund survey indicated that 11% of UK patients waited a year or more for a specialist appointment, and 19% for non-emergency surgery, with only Canada showing similar delays. The proportion of patients waiting over four weeks for specialist care surged from 14% in 2013 to 61% in 2023. Additionally, patient experiences regarding time spent with GPs have deteriorated significantly, with only 58% of UK patients feeling their doctor spent enough time with them during appointments. The report highlights a concerning trend of patients skipping dental care due to costs, with an increase in those avoiding doctor visits for financial reasons. The findings underscore the urgent need for government action to address these healthcare challenges and improve NHS performance.