The BBC has reported that hospital services in nearly two-thirds of England could be cut or scaled back. The alarming report highlights the challenges facing the NHS. Despite the Government maintaining that extra money is being invested, the reality is that services are at full stretch, with a lack of nursing and doctor provision coupled with an ever-increasing number of patients. The alarming fall in nurse places being taken up since the cancellation of Bursaries will only compound the resource problem.

iNews also recently reported on the state of the NHS, stating than an investigation has uncovered plans to close or downscale more than 50 hospitals and NHS services across England.

On the Health Insurance & Protection Daily website, they report that 350,000 patients are waiting longer than 18 weeks for routine care. This is a rise of 163% since 2012.

In Prime Minister’s questions earlier today (22nd February 2017), Theresa May was dismissive of concerning troubles faced by the NHS. Various statistics were quoted by both sides of the house, but it remains unclear how the present crisis is to be averted. In fact, most health professionals regard NHS targets as pointless as many have not been achieved for many years. In Wales, 95% of patients are supposed to start treatment within 26 weeks and this target was last met in August 2010.

There are no easy and quick solutions to the problems faced by the NHS. Committing to spend money without a cohesive plan is wasteful. At the same time, additional funding is needed just to keep hospitals operational. Ultimately, the healthcare solution in the UK may need a blend of public and private care, with people contributing to or paying for all their treatment. Most politicians acknowledge that such a move by any Government could be political suicide.

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