NHS judged best healthcare system in the world – despite coming second bottom at keeping people alive
It beat 11 other high-income nations to come out top in the influential Commonwealth Fund think tank rankings
THE NHS has been judged the best healthcare system in the world.
It beat 11 other high-income nations to come out top in the influential Commonwealth Fund think tank rankings.
Its report rated five key criteria – care and safety, access, efficiency, fairness and affordability, and outcomes.
Overall, the NHS was best, followed by Australia, then the Netherlands.
The U.S. healthcare system was last, in 11th place, despite spending the most cash.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “Ranked the best healthcare system of 11 wealthy countries, the NHS has again showed why it is the single thing that makes us most proud to be British.
“These outstanding results are a testament to the dedication of NHS staff, who despite pressure on the frontline are delivering safer, more compassionate care than ever.”
The NHS was found best in two key categories, safety and access for all patients, no matter their wealth.
But worryingly, it came second bottom at keeping people alive.
It also reveals the NHS is the world’s best healthcare system, despite having the fourth lowest spend.
In 2014, 9.9 per cent of national income went on health, compared to 16.6 per cent in the U.S.
The report - Mirror, Mirror 2017 - states: “The UK stands out as a top performer in most categories except for health care outcomes, where it ranks with the U.S. near the bottom.”
But it said Britain did better at reducing early deaths than any other nation in the past decade.
The findings come despite the biggest funding squeeze in health service’s history.
It has led to hospitals missing a series of key targets such as A&E, ambulance, cancer waits.
An NHS England spokesman said: “This international research is a welcome reminder of the fundamental strengths of the NHS, and a call-to-arms in support of the NHS Forward View’s practical plan to improve cancer, mental health and other outcomes of care.”