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Lifestyle changes you can make to help save the NHS millions


The NHS provides healthcare services to millions of patients every year and the cost of it all adds up over time.

This ranges from ambulances to administration services, GP services and much more.

According to NowPatient the cost of an overnight hospital stay in the UK can be up to £483 per night, excluding surgery costs.



Therefore, the medical accountancy firm BW Medical has taken a look at five of the best lifestyle changes to help save the NHS money in the long term.

5 steps you can take to help save the NHS money

Quit vaping and smoking

Smoking-related hospital admissions in England increased by nearly 5% in 2022-23 compared to the previous year which is an estimated 408,700.

NHS statistics show that, of all hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in 2022-23, 16% were linked to smoking – as were 7% of admissions for cardiovascular disease and 8% of those for cancer.

While the long-term health effects of frequent vaping are not yet known, there could be an influx of patients with conditions associated with vaping in the future.

Therefore, if people can take the steps to stop smoking or vaping they can save the NHS money with fewer hospital admissions.

Limit your alcohol intake

Between 2020 and 2021 the NHS saw 342,795 admissions to hospitals caused solely by alcohol and a huge 948,312 admissions that were deemed alcohol-related.

It is thought that alcohol misuse and related necessary treatment costs the NHS around £3.5 million every single year.



BW Medical adds: “There is no ‘safe’ level of alcohol intake, but by limiting yourself to less than 14 units a week, you can look after your health and save the NHS money.”

Look after your teeth

While the majority of people pay for dental treatment, NHS dentists can provide care free of change in a range of situations.

For example, under-18s receive free dental care but tooth extractions in that age range can put more pressure on the NHS.

According to statistics, decay-related tooth extractions in children aged 0 to 19 years cost £40.7 million in the financial year 2022 to 2023.

BW Medical adds: “The good news is, tooth decay and cavities are highly preventable, especially in young children.

“Looking after your own teeth – and helping your children to look after theirs – by brushing twice a day and avoiding too much sugar, will go a long way toward preventing this kind of premature tooth decay.”



Follow a healthy diet

According to the Department of Health and Social Care, obesity costs the NHS £6.5 billion every year.

Quite a few of these cases are said to be preventable with a good diet and exercise regimes.

BW Medical adds: “Doing everything you can to keep your weight at a healthy level will not only improve your life, but will save the NHS money in the long run.”


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Combat stress early

Mental Health UK’s 2024 mental health report recently found that a huge 91% of adults have suffered from extreme levels of stress or pressure within the past 12 months.

The culmination of these high levels of stress and mental health concerns costs the NHS an estimated £300 billion.

BW Medical adds: “Taking steps to reduce stress, care for your own mental health and check in with loved ones can prevent mental health concerns and stress from becoming chronic and spiralling out of control.

“Being aware of your mental health and acknowledging any issues can be challenging, but it’s important to be kind to your own mind, make time for activities you love and talk to your peers when you need support.”





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